BURIAL VAULT Ekpyrosis - Periodic Destruction CD

Hailing from Germany, Burial Vault released their debut full-length album, Ekpyrosis (Periodic Destruction), in January 2012 via Apostasy Records. After two well-received self-released EPs, this album marked their formal entry into the professional scene, recorded at the renowned Soundlodge Studio by Jörg Uken (known for his work with God Dethroned and Dew-Scented). The music is a sophisticated blend of Melodic Death Metal that draws heavy inspiration from the legendary Swedish school of the 90s, particularly reminiscent of early In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, and the blackened atmosphere of Dissection. The album is characterized by its dual-vocal attack from Raimund Ennenga (also known for his work with Nailed to Obscurity), who shifts seamlessly between deep, guttural growls and high-pitched black metal rasps. Musically, Ekpyrosis balances raw aggression with intricate, hopeful guitar melodies and complex structures, as seen in the nearly eight-minute epic Icon of Indignity. Tracks like Heretic and Genesis. Trinity. Carnage. showcase the band's ability to inject thrashy energy and Frankonian fury into their melodic framework. The artwork, designed by Remy / Headsplit Design (who has worked with Arch Enemy and Whitechapel), perfectly reflects the album's themes of periodic destruction and existential crisis. For fans of death metal that is both technical and emotionally evocative, this release remains a strong and abitious debut in the Apostasy Records catalog.