Artist Spotlight: Between the Buried and Me

Branching off from Raleigh, North Carolina, Between the Buried and Me (often abbreviated as BTBAM) have played a huge role in having a different sound, ever since when they were formed back in 2000. The progressive-metal quintet have been known for having songs that are quite long; many of them are above the 8-minute mark. These long songs have many different sounds and melodies throughout. The odd time-signatures and sudden beat changes are another thing that makes this band so significant. They'll go from playing a metal riff, to follow a jazz-style guitar solo, back to the metal riff, and then a calming piano melody (just as an example).

BTBAM with their current lineup

They've released 5 studio albums, a cover album, a live CD/DVD, and an EP (extended play) all within the 11 years they've been active. The lead singer and keyboardist, Tommy Rogers, and lead guitarist, Paul Waggoner, are the only two founding members in the band. The rest of the band were inducted in 2004, and have stuck there ever since. All of their albums have garnered very positive reviews.

BTBAM live in April 2010

I've had the opportunity to see the band play live, back in April 2010 (which was in Greensburg, PA, of all places) and most recently, April 18, 2011. Both of the shows were phenomenal; they really know how to put on a live performance. With so many lights and awesome effects, their performance is hard to compare with any other bands. Of course, they didn't play too many songs, since their songs are so long. April 2010 they only played 4 songs; April 2011 they played 7. They play every part exactly how it is recorded on the album. They all memorize the ridiculously long songs that they've written, note-by-note, which plays a big role in their impressive live performances.

The Bassline

This is my favorite band, plain and simple. They show that not all heavy music sounds the same whatsoever by having such complexly-written songs that always impress their fans. Their live performances are so energetic and awesome (for lack of other adjectives). To find out more about them, check here, since they haven't updated their official website in a long long time.