Chicago’s Burned In
Effigy returns with their second full-length “Tyrannus Aeternum”, a
follow-up to their debut “Rex Mortem” from 2022. Emerging from the Midwest
scene in 2017, the band quickly earned a reputation for technical precision and
fierce energy, sharing stages with names like Orbit
Culture, Obscura, and Revocation. With this new album, they expand their
sound while remaining rooted in the sharp blend of melody and aggression that
has fueled their rise.
Across
eleven tracks, Burned In Effigy balance two
driving forces: neoclassical grandeur and melodic death metal’s intensity.
Songs like “Befouled Benefaction” and “Retribution” carry intricate guitar work
layered with symphonic accents, giving the music a sense of sweep and drama.
Shorter interludes such as “Procession” and “Gallows Hymn” add cinematic
touches that break up the heavier assaults, making the experience more dynamic
without pulling away from the momentum.
The rhythm section is relentless throughout. Matt Watkins’ bass provides a heavy backbone, while Eddie Dec’s drumming is filled with bursts of double-kick fury and shifting tempos that keep the listener on edge. Over this, vocal delivery from Mark “Smedy” Smedbron cuts with harsh growls, consistently matching the power of the instrumentation. Guitars remain the central driving element, with Steve Bacakos and Mike Hisson weaving together ornate riffs and solos that keep the neoclassical flavor alive.
Production,
handled by Jordan Beal, gives the album a
modern punch while letting the orchestral elements, arranged by Graham Southern, breathe inside the heavier mix. “Tyrannus
Aeternum” is an ambitious release that doesn’t lose its focus. It delivers on
its promise of ferocity while carrying a theatrical edge that will appeal to
listeners who want precision and fire in equal measure. Burned In Effigy proves they are not only keeping pace with the
melodic death metal scene but pushing forward with a sound that is immediately
their own.
Score: 8.0
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