In 2012 Between The Buried And Me released their finest album since Colors in The Parallax II: Future Sequence and soon began playing this masterpiece in its entirety. A live release following their extensive touring on this album wasn't a surprise at all, but what was surprising it's live from a studio. Odd, but I'm game.
I've seen Between The Buried And Me a number of times (this number is six) and each time they prove themselves to be one of the best live bands out. Their musicianship is impeccable every time, and this is something one may not fully appreciate while being crushed along a barricade or karate kicked by that one asshole in the pit. In Live at the Fidelitorium, this musicianship is immediately appreciated on a new level.
It's no surprise that each member of this band is a virtuoso of their respective instrument. Seeing Paul Waggoner tear through each incredibly complex section of BTBAM insanity so casually just makes me feel like he's still holding back somehow. Also, seeing the band play in such an intimate setting gives Dustie Waring's unique style and ability the spotlight it deserves. So often, Paul gives Dustie props on stage, and with this he doesn't have to anymore. Drummers will surely enjoy Blake Richardson's shots in this. He is one of the best drummers in metal, and with this you can see further evidence. I found myself realizing Tommy Rogers is better at keyboard than in initially thought too. My only gripe with how each musician is presented is that there simply isn't enough of Dan Briggs being shown as the bass god he is. The editing doesn't give him the proper 'what the fuck is he doing with his hands?!?' moment until "Melting City."
The performance of the album, like every BTBAM performance, is near flawless. Actually, there are a few times when guitars don't switch between effects as smoothly as they should, or vocals don't quite harmonize between Rogers and Waggoner. These minor flubs add a human element to this performance ehich is otherwise inhumanly perfect. These could have easily been edited out, or tweaked in post, but I like them left in because proves this isn't just music video disguised as a live performance.
The band also brought a few friends with them to the studio. They're occasionally accompanied by a string section, tuba, flute, clarinet, and a handful of other instruments. These take the place of sections that are otherwise backtracked during live performances, and it's mostly worth their inclusion. "Lay Your Ghosts To Rest" soared with the addition of live strings. The xylophone at some points seemed weird, but kind of cool. However, when it comes in during "Extremophile Elite," it is so fucking awesome.
At times the atypical instruments accompanying BTBAM reminds me of the scene in Walk Hard when Dewey Cox is in the studio with a choir, tons of weird instruments and a goat simply because he can. For example, there is tuba in "Telos." If there was before I didn't notice, and when I saw them play it in person I didn't notice it not being there. I'm all for the strings though. When they come in during "Silent Flight Parliament," it makes me want a full live performance with a string section, but then we wander into Metallica S&M territory, and this is a slippery slope.
I can't help but feel like there was just too long between Future Sequence and the live in-studio release. This feels more like a companion to the album, rather than a standalone product. Also, while I usually enjoy getting a CD along with live releases, but this CD sounds like a less polished version of the album until you know it's all live.
I like this release a lot. However, I am a HUGE Between The Buried And Me fan, and a huge fan of the Future Sequence record. Those who aren't fans of the band may not want to bother with this. This is basically the band's Live in Pompeii. No audience, just the band being the band. BTBAM nerds and musicians who appreciate skill should give it a go though.
Nerds like me should click here to order.
