In the Taking of Flesh

Merging technical prowess with raw power to an unusual degree, The Burial make impressive strides forward on In the Taking of Flesh. Christian metal fans will notice a number of influences running through the Champaign, Ill.–based trio’s sophomore album, most notably bands like Becoming the Archetype and Living Sacrifice. Taking such iconic groups as a point of departure, vocalist/lead guitarist Elisha Mullins establishes a distinctive sound thanks to well-honed songwriting chops and a feel for metalcore’s orchestral possibilities. The baroque embellishments of the opener “En-Hakkore” give way to volleys of searing riffage and punishing blast beats (courtesy of drummer Kaleb Luebchow). “Itching Ears,” “Wretched Restless Forms,” and “Of Jasper and Carnelian” dazzle listeners with unpredictable instrumental shifts, manic rhythms, and vocals that freely range from guttural growls to clean chorus ascents. The band truly show their prowess in two variations on the title track. Hope for the Dying guitarists James Houseman and Jack Daniels add ferocious fretwork to the closing tune, “Quintessence.”