Following a four-year hiatus from releasing new material, progressive metal quartet After The Burial have returned with Embrace The Infinity, which consists of two new tracks titled “Nothing Gold” and “Death Keeps Us From Living,” produced by prominent heavy music producer Will Putney (Every Time I Die, Knocked Loose, Vein). The new tracks follow 2019’s monolithic effort Evergreen, and tackles the familiar themes of isolation, loss, and hopelessness that arise in such uncertain times. However, in true After The Burial fashion, they are brought to life with a healthy dose of resilience and perseverance that is palpable in every sense. The result is a triumphant step forward into the band’s future, set to the backdrop of evocative vocals, intricate guitar riffs, and inventive rhythms that further push the sonic boundaries of their core sound.
Reflecting on the harrowing new single “Nothing Gold,” which details the band’s unique experience with the COVID-19 lockdowns, Notarmaso reveals, “I remember feeling like nothing lasts forever, and I think these are probably some of my darkest lyrics to date. You can truly sense how I felt when listening to the song, and to this day, it still brings me right back to that place every time.”
Even in crisis, After The Burial, who consists of Notarmaso, along with Trent Hafdahl (guitar), Dan Carle (drums), and Adrian Oropeza (bass), managed to craft compelling new music to not only keep the show rolling but provide solace and healing for themselves more than anything else. Today, they are happy to reveal that they have grown exponentially and gained a valuable new perspective.
Perhaps the most vulnerable song of the pair is “Death Keeps Us From Living,” which touches on the painful loss of several loved ones and, in many ways, Notarmaso’s intimate and personal ruminations on his mortality. “Fear will keep you from living your life and going after your dreams,” Notarmaso states. “This song is about healing and moving on. I think that’s why After The Burial is still a band. We’re resilient and all we can do is keep moving forward. If my pain can help even one person, I will make that sacrifice for the rest of my life.”
After The Burial are looking forward to their most prolific era yet. They are putting the finishing touches on their yet-to-be-announced seventh studio album, and will soon embark on a massive North American tour. The band’s return comes during a pivotal time as heavy music is experiencing a significant surge in popularity, with new listeners discovering the genre rapidly. Notarmaso couldn’t agree more, adding, “It’s about time, and it’s exciting for all of the fans, more than anything. They are just going to continue to get a ton of really cool music.”
