Now, this EP may only be three songs long, but holy fuck does it pack a punch.
When I listened to As Time Awaits for the first time, one thing struck me more than anything else — the immense intensity within each track. All three songs pack an almighty wallop, delivering an unrelenting smackdown.
The mental wrestling within the first song, “Continuum,” is downright dark — a reflection of what ails the world today. Confusion, misdirection, unanswered questions. A long walk down a dark path. Melodic, enthrallingly dynamic, with formidable breakdowns and tempo shifts to boot. Guitar genius coupled with raucously gruff growls and Defcon 1-level drumming. This song has so much meat on it you could feed a family of five for a month. Everything a growing EP needs, and a wonderful opening to this aural onslaught.
“Abyssal Uncertainty” is brutality from start to finish. A seismic shift for the senses. Frantically and frenetically worked fretless bass lines, rapid riffage, seamless solos, and downright devastating drumming inspire yet another dark depiction of dedicating one’s life to someone else’s greed and fortune. The absurdity of working oneself to the literal bone while the almighty master sits atop his throne looking down upon thee as nothing more than a worker ant — prosperously paving a path for the person who will pulverise it under a perfectly shined shoe once the job is complete. A bottomless pit of putridity and pittance. What a fucking banger.
“Survive the Vermin” feels like a very “now” statement. Lyrically, this track pays homage to science fiction author Nate Crowley, asking the question, “If we give ourselves wholly to one purpose, is it worth sacrificing the simplicity of everyday life?”
The technicality of “Survive the Vermin” is outstanding. The rhythm section — gifted bassist Stan Mitchell and drummer extraordinaire Kim Hughes — give this song the guts and intensity of a runaway train inches from hurtling into a brick fucking wall. Vocalist/guitarist Ben Champion (aptly named, in my opinion) lends visceral heart to the track, taking you on a ride with emotive snarls and screams, while lead guitarist Blake Hibberd shreds like there’s no tomorrow — and let’s face it, who knows what tomorrow will bring.
I was a brand-spanking-new listener to Unburier before As Time Awaits. Now I’m a solid fan. This EP is the third release from Unburier, following 2022’s Twisted Existence and 2024’s Nebulous, and you better believe I’ll be diving into them faster than Yogi Bear into a picnic basket.
As Time Awaits proves above all else that Unburier are a true force to be reckoned with. And although there are only three songs on this EP, it feels like you’ve listened to a full-length album — which I truly hope Unburier bring to life sooner rather than later.
Pure metal brilliance served up on a serrated silver platter.
UNBURIER lineup:
Ben Champion – Vocals/Guitar
Blake Hibberd – Guitar/Vocals
Stan Mitchell – Bass
Kim Hughes – Drums
LINKS
BANDCAMP: https://unburier.bandcamp.com/music
