Between The Buried And Me – ‘Automata II’ (Album Review)

When Between The Buried And Me dropped Automata I back in March, it quickly got progressive metal fans hyped for the day they could finally experience the whole thing. I reviewed that first half here, so check out that post before reading on if you’re unfamiliar with the story so far.

So, does Automata II live up to some of the highest expectations any band could possibly face? Have Between The Buried And Me surpassed themselves? Or have they finally put a foot wrong, suddenly doomed to slide down the slippery slope of mediocrity?

Yes, yes, and no – of course not.

This is BTBAM we’re talking about.

The Proverbial Bellow immediately picks up where Blot left off at the end of Automata I, and Jesus Christ. This track goes through more movements than the bowels of someone suffering from constant diarrhoea – and as a thirteen-minute piece of music, it is fucking staggering. A constantly shape-shifting monstrosity riddled with tangled guitar melodies, career-high harmony parts, the occasional hard-chugging riff, and tangential turns into (for example) country-prog, bass-heavy sections, sequenced synths, and one heavily reverbed piano-and-vocal break, this is the kind of song that should really come complete with a map and guidebook.

Not that long-time BTBAM fans will mind getting lost in it.

After such a serious brain-stretcher, Glide sees Between The Buried And Me exercise their tongue-in-cheek side, throwing an accordion-driven waltz and comedy piano into a two-minute track that still manages to pass through some sombre moments. The much heavier Voice Of Trespass even continues the bouncy mood using horns, a move reminiscent of Diablo Swing Orchestra at their finest. Expect live circle pits to break into spontaneous ballroom dancing for this one – especially during the acoustic gypsy jazz guitar section.

And the finger-snapping bass solo.

After all that madness, BTBAM largely return to their classic style and pull out some widescreen 6/8 sections for closer The Grid. Gradually shades of Soundgarden emerge, before we break into some gorgeous solo acoustic guitar, the rest of the band join in, and it’s time for Automata II to begin concluding. Accompanied by swaying strings and great classic-rock soloing, Between The Buried And Me give their latest opus an emotional sendoff.

A little fading feedback, and we’re done.

Overall, Automata as a whole has seen BTBAM run through some of their most daring and melodic work to date. Their back catalogue is bursting with brilliant highlights, but Automata II has confirmed this double album as one of their best. One thing can be said without doubt: Between The Buried And Me still have what it takes to stun after all this time.

LTK RATING: 95% (Essential Listening!)

Pre-order Automata II (out July 13) on iTunes.

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