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Burning Point: Empyre

Burning Point: Empyre

Melodic Heavy/Power Metal
Rating: 4.0/5.0

After my first listen through the new Burning Point release 'Empyre,' there was something about this Finnish Metal band flailing in the waters of my long-term memory that I could not rescue even with the longest mental rope. Then I reread my review of their previous work, 'Burning Down The Enemy,' and it all came back to me. It also explained why the memory was struggling for air in those deep waters: I had a measured degree of ambivalence towards last release. I could not decide whether I was fond of it or not. Unfortunately, with 'Empyre' after one listen I was struggling in that same watery abyss once more. Truly, first impressions are a bitch.

Thankfully, I gave 'Empyre' a second go around and can say unequivocally that I liked it. Burning Point is neither reinventing the heavy metal wheel or themselves on this work. Essentially, they have found their forte, and like it or not, with very little or no improvisations they are working their groove. Generally, 'Empyre' is an uneven listen of mostly melodic heavy metal with a hybrid mix of power metal here and there. Actually, the best pieces on the disc are when they follow that hybrid mix and those most excellent choices are on the latter half. 'Walls Of Stone' through 'Only The Wrong Will Survive' show Burning Point at their most heavy, most melodic best. 'Sacrifice' is the true masterpiece with its infectious acoustic guitar foundation. Outside of these, the singular most influential accomplishment is the metal ballad, 'Was It Me;' it's heavy, melodic and endearing.

With their previous work, I was indifferent towards Burning Point. Yet, their latest release 'Empyre' shows the band at their melodic heavy metal best. This work is hardly perfect; it's uneven at times. But overall its an mature and entertaining offering from Burning Point. Recommended!


In Short

With their previous work, I was indifferent towards Burning Point. Yet, their latest release 'Empyre' shows the band at their melodic heavy metal best. This work is hardly perfect; it's uneven at times. But overall its an mature and entertaining offering from Burning Point.

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