Automata I

I understand that the stated reason by the band for releasing Automata in 2 parts is to allow fans more time to dissect and digest the material. Hmm … do these guys really believe that those of us who have been listening to progressive/complex music for a long time (almost 40 years for me now) need “bite-size” portions in order to really appreciate the greatness of conceptual music? I certainly would hope not, and so therefore I prefer to chalk this up to a marketing ploy in an era where many artists digitally “release-as-they-create” their music. I’m okay with that (not really, but I can accept it I suppose). Otherwise it is a sad commentary on the state of music listeners circa 2018 – that we are not capable of fully processing and enjoying a full 60 minutes plus of music, no matter how complex or thought-provoking. I have always respected this band as one of the most innovative, heavy, progressive and complex of their generation. They push the envelope, which is what progressive music is supposed to be all about. I say, bring it all on, everything you have … we can handle it. Automata I picks up where the brilliant Coma Ecliptic left off – with a wonderful mix of melodic, aggressive, keyboard-infused, heavy progressive metal and artful rock. Once again visiting “dream-based” themes, Automata delves into the concept of “one man’s dreams for entertainment of others.” Without the complete release it is hard to really do more than speculate, but I would say this ties in well conceptually with the past 3 releases. True to the spirit of prog, the lyrics leave much open to the interpretation of the listener. Musically, there is quite a bit of diversity just on these 6 tracks, which bodes well for the piece as a whole. Well placed harsh vocals are perfectly balanced with melodic singing, and the compositions are varied in length and complexity (“Condemned to the Gallows” and “House Organ”). There are the lengthier, proggier, less organized songs (“Yellow Eyes” and “Blot”) and then the really melodic, almost commercial, “Millions.” This song is so cool, so chill. Tons of cool keyboard passages and samplings paint these songs with both a contemporary and futuristic color, and the individual instrumental performances of each member are once again noteworthy. Blake Richardson’s performance once again captivates my drummer’s ears . I don’t know, maybe I should have waited to review this until I had the whole picture, but since the band chose to withhold from us the “rest of the story,” for now I will be content to just call this another solid chapter in the band’s storied career and say that I do look forward to the conclusion.

Another amazing release by BTBAM. I love their evolution. Each release is unique while maintaining their core sound. This is heavier than Coma, but keeps the progressive elements. They are one of the few bands to be truly excited about, and I can't wait for Automta II. Yellow Eyes and Blot are stand outs to me, but the entire release is sublime. BTBAM are just awesome dudes as well. Not pretentious, and very interesting that 3 of them are straight edge vegans. I hope they continue this path for a long, long time.

Between the Buried and Me does it again! Man I haven't enjoyed an album this much since Parallax II. Coma Ecliptic was awesome but very boring in some areas. Automata is short but such a great listen. The melodies are reminiscent of Parallax II and the technicality of Coma Ecliptic. This is also the first time my favorite track isn't one of the heavy ones (Telos, White Walls, The Coma Machine)! The bassline in Millions combined with the dreamy melody was so good it immediately became my favorite. I'll also be spending a great deal analyzing some of Blake Richardson's beats. A great step forward.

FANTASTIC new release by BTBAM!! A more evolved sound without stepping away from what makes them amazing. Very well written songs, with hints of Coma Ecliptic but in the mood of Parallax. This is part I of II, so yes, it's only 35 minutes, yet it feels complete. Yellow Eyes is a phenomenal song and Blot is one of their best written songs period. This album has more progressive elements and this is seriously one of the most underrated bands out there.

The album as a whole doesn't sound specifically like any other releases from the band, but it does display its pieces that take you back to many other albums. The songwriting is top notch, and many parts are very catchy, but the album feels a little underwhelming only being 35 minutes (so far). I'd say the one highlight for me is the transition into softer passages is done well, but the biggest drawback in my opinion is the somewhat lack of unpredictability (excluding Yellow Eyes). It IS worth the purchase, but beware to judge it as a whole until part 2 comes.

An criminally underrated and underappreciated band and group of musicians. If you like BTBAM, you already know this is a killer album. BTBAM continue to evolve when you think they've hit their zenith. Heavy, progressive, spacey, virtuosic, and BTBAM-tastic. Can't wait for Automata II. Thank you, Gents.

Another great release by BTBAM. Through and through a fantastic album. It has all of the elements we've come to know and love by BTBAM. I'd say the album is closer in "feel" to Colors than to their previous Coma Ecliptic. However, the album is certainly unique, and I'm waiting expectantly for Automata II...

Brilliant throughout. You get to Blot at the end and you can just almost hear Automata II begin. The shorter format is hopefully a trend that other progressive metal bands will also begin to use. Pacific Myth by PTH is another technical and emotional masterpiece of this caliber and length.

Red translucent variant here.

Top!

Ils sont tellement rares aujourd'hui ces groupes de métal qui sont riches d'idées et qui savent se renouveler. Des morceaux continuellement changeant pas de ritournelles qui après 4 reprises vous lasse ! Brillant comme à leur habitude, des parties plus simples et d'autres très alambiquées... merci BTBAM pour votre créativité.

Als Between The Buried And Me ankündigten, das ein Doppelalbum erscheinen würde, war die Freude groß. Danach kam die Enttäuschung. War Teil Eins doch nur mit einer Laufzeit von 36 Minuten eine EP und kein Vollwertiges Album. Auch stieß übel auf, das Automata eigentlich als ein Album gedacht war und entweder vom neuen Label Sumerian oder von der Band aus welchen Gründen auch immer, aufgeteilt wurde. Aber egal, wie ist die Musik? BTBAM gehen wieder etwas in die Richtung der Vorgänger wie Parallax 2 und sind wieder deutlich härter als auf Coma Ecliptic, ohne jedoch ihren Sound nicht weiterzuentwickeln. So ist Automata 1 ein sehr guter Mix aus dem Stil von Coma und den früheren Werken, bringt jedoch auch neue Töne. Tommy Rogers wird immer besser als Sänger, experimentiert weiter mit seiner Stimme und entwickelt immer wieder die unglaublichsten Gesangsmelodien, mal weich und hypnotisch, dann wieder brutal. Er gehört für mich sowieso zu dem Besten, was es an Sängern im Progmetal gibt. Die anderen Mitglieder sind natürlich ebenso genial, Blake Richardson ist einfach ein Gott am Schlagzeug, Dan Briggs ist einer der besten Bassisten überhaupt und Paul Waggoner und Dustie Waring sind an den Gitarren so gut, das man immer wieder den Kopf schütteln muss, wie abgefahren und genial das alles ist. Condemned to The Gallows ist wohl der bekannteste Track und klingt wie eine Mischung aus Alaska und Colors, guter Song, der für BTBAM eher Standard ist, für andere Bands wohl der Höhepunkt des Albums darstellen würde. House Organ ist ein eher experimentelles Stück, jedoch eine gute Mischung aus brutalen Passagen und ruhigeren. Yellow Eyes ist der erste Höhepunkt der EP, hier zeigen BTBAM warum sie zu den Besten des Prog gehören, wilde Stilwechsel, abgefahrene Melodien, tolle Soli, einfallreicher Gesang, alles da. Ein 9 Minuten Monster von Track. Millions ist die zweite Singleauskoppling der EP und wohl der eingängigste Track, den BTBAM jemals produziert haben. Tolle Melodien, ein Song, der in den Kopf geht und dort nicht mehr raus will. Gold Distance ist eher das Intro zu Blot, der mit beinahe 11 Minuten wieder zeigt, was BTBAM für eine tolle Band ist. Orientalische Klänge gemischt mit harten Passagen, hypnotischen Parts und einem genialen Chorus. Einfach ein genialer Song. Viel zu schnell ist Automata 1 dann vorbei und man bleibt leider mit dem Gefühl zurück, das da was fehlt. Es wäre besser gewesen, das Album als Ganzes zu veröffentlichen, aber so muss man halt auf Teil 2 warten. Dennoch ist diese EP ein absolutes Glanzstück der Band und jeder, der mit etwas härterer Musik etwas anfangen kann, sollte reinhören und bei Gefallen kaufen. Es kennen sowieso viel zu wenige hier in Deutschland diese Ausnahmeband!

great album