EP Review: Burned Into Existence "Chapter 2" (Independent) by Dave Wolff

Band: Burned Into Existence

Location: New Jersey

Country: USA

Genre: Death/groove metal, metalcore

EP: Chapter 2

Format: Digital

Label: Independent

Release date: April 27, 2025

As a newly formed band of two years, Burned Into Existence (formerly Burned In Effigy) quickly released two independent EPs (a self-titled debut and "Chapter 2") boasting a fresh fusing of death metal, groove metal, and metalcore.

For a band comprised mostly of newcomers, Burned Into Existence is developing this style into something that would be equally received on college radio stations featuring pop punk and nu-metal and streaming radio featuring brutal metal. "Chapter 2" is consistent with dynamism and measured frenzy and makes room for assorted sentiments.

Their eccentric method of composing, while displaying competence and the capacity to hammer all around, is largely propelled by John Seymour, a guitarist with experience in groove, thrash, and power metal from working with Von Kull (Florida, USA) , Malicious Intent (New Jersey, USA) and Messiaxx (Florida, USA). In the opening section of "The Grind" which reappears throughout, Seymour and guitarist Anthony Mlynarczyk demonstrate ability to multi-layer with crunch and dual harmonies.

No matter whether the songs are intended to be mainstream-friendly with canorous melodies, ardent vocals and easeful middle sections ("Harmony Of Imperfection") or acerbic with strident vocals and searing classically flavored guitar solos ("Dejection", "Road Rage"), Seymour and Mlynarczyk's dense, resourceful chugging and contained harmonies retain dexterity and background crunch.

The tight quality enhanced with noticeable grunginess and occasional hints of industrial in some leads, provides ample energy for Knox's vocals, which alternate between incisive to mellifluous and carries the musicianship as effectively. Burned Into Existence take many liberties with contrasting tempos, anchored by Robert Bigler's solid bass lines and kept precise by Jason Brown's drumming.

As a band capable of writing with both melodic and heavy elements, Burned Into Existence demonstrate adaptability and capacity to evolve while remaining able to attract fans of pure aggression. –Dave Wolff

Lineup:

David Knox: Vocals

Anthony Mlynarczyk: Guitars

John Seymour: Guitars

Robert Bigler: Bass

Jason Brown: Drums

Track list:

1. The Grind

2. Harmony of Imperfection

3. Dejection

4. GFY

5. Road Rage