Album Reviews : Buried In Verona – Vultures Above, Lions Below

It seems to have been an anticipative year for post-hardcore fans. Aside from the self-titled album We Came As Romans released this past month, and the fantastic album Skydancer by In Heart’s Wake, the majority of releases have been reserved for this half of the year. Fortunately, while fans wait for the September heaven that awaits, post-hardcore enthusiasts can satiate their hunger with Vultures Above, Lions Below by Sydney band Buried In Verona.

Buried In Verona have seemingly followed in the footsteps of other post-hardcore bands like Of Mice & Men and Bring Me The Horizon, in that there has been a noticeable progression to rock-based instrumentation. The songs on this album are incredibly uncomplicated, have a groove-oriented focus, and are all memorable because of this deliberate simplification. I can almost hear the new features from their live set-lists as a significant few of the songs are anthemic in nature. One of the gripes I had with these types of songs was the exceedingly plain and repetitive lyricism, especially because they’re easily discernible within the gnashing, hardcore infused screams. That grumble aside, there really isn’t much to complain about. All the songs carry the sagacity of sensibility, and are mostly intimate enough to instantly become accessible and personal. The production values are great, and the added synths make each song profound to the ear.

The album opens with the track “Vultures Above” – which reminds me slightly of some of the songs from Bring Me The Horizon’s Sempiternal, – and that’s always a good start. “Extraction” carries the same weight and depth, complimented by the synth and guitar leads. “Dig Me Out” is one of the aforementioned anthemic tracks, which contains both repetitive lyrics and riffs, but should win over at least some listeners. “Hurricane” has one of the strongest choruses on the album, but is almost a little hesitant during verses. “Separation” is an instant throat-grabber, epitomizing a modern rock approach, but comes off as a little too straightforward. “Can’t be Unsaid” has a great choral backing that is sure to inspire during live performances, and a great performance by clean vocalist Richie Newman. “Reflection” has a grand, orchestral feel to it, making the otherwise generic riffs a lot easier to listen to, as well as having one of the more aggressive verses on the album. “Done for Good” I can’t help but bang my head to incessantly, as it contains such feel-good riffs, though simple, that appeal to the senses. “Pathways” is another anthemic number, and a little more lyrically complex than the previous. “Unbroken” continues the rock-oriented trend of the songs, and carries a fast-paced feel-fest. “Bring Me Home” is probably the ‘heaviest’ song amongst the others, but still retains the intimacy and strength evident in the album. “Lions Below” closes the album with galloping, staccato-style characteristic of post-hardcore and another memorable chorus.

Let it be known that this album is just more of what we’ve heard for years from both rock and post-hardcore bands alike, but God be damned if it isn’t still tremendously done and captivating as hell. Buried In Verona know exactly what they’re good at, and bring it forward in the best way possible – delivering hit after hit on this simple but memorable album; Vultures Above, Lions Below will still stand tall amongst the other current and upcoming post-hardcore releases because of its personal nature and its sheer infectious appeal.

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