...occasionally.
Despite the combination of the two sub-genres, Burial Hordes' music is still heavily stepped in the Deathspell Omega blueprint, particularly the earlier era. Looking back to Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice--arguably one of the most notable black metal albums of the past decade--"Path of Bloodshed's" initial resemblance to "First Prayer" is uncanny, though it may take a careful ear to catch. A few words come to mind when comparing the two: "Homage?" Rip-off?" "Tribute?" Describing the similarities can be tough, but for the sake of giving Burial Hordes benefit of the doubt, unintentional is a better choice.
But wait; there's more.
Two songs later in the track listing reveals a piece so staggering in its similarity to Deathspell Omega that the repeat button is needed for verification purposes--"Scorned (Aokigahara)," as Burial Hordes calls it, wouldn't sound out of place on Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice, with its grave opening and Gregorian choir. If "Carnal Malefactor" and "Epiklesis II (taken from Paracletus) had a baby, "Scorned" would be it. Clearly, the resemblance is more than skin deep.

With all that said, though, Incendium is generally quite good for a record devoid of individuality and a fresh outlook on music. The riffs are interesting, the vocals, forgoing the traditional black metal rasp, dip deeply into death metal territory, and the musicianship is a step above many of Burial Hordes' peers. And, to top things off, the band comes from a country that, despite having a history of quality music, is little known for metal, aside from big names like Septic Flesh, Rotting Christ, and Varathron.
In a nutshell, this reviewer is incredibly torn. Incendium is hugely playable and stands well on its own as an enjoyable album, but comparison to Deathspell Omega is, unfortunately, inevitable. It's as if Burial Hordes entered the studio, turned on Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice, and began composing and recording music in one fell swoop. While Incendium will receive playtime, the nagging thought that Deathspell Omega was Burial Hordes' inspiration to the point of near plagiarism won't be easily forgotten.
-TMA
Incendium is slated for release on January 27th from Hellthrasher Productions.
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