Album review: REZN – Burden

Chicago-based contortionists REZN have spent the best part of their career carving out a respectable name for themselves in the underground. Their psychedelic mix of prog, shoegaze and doom has seen them grow a reputation as one of the best prospects around. After distinctively honing their craft under a strictly DIY banner, the quartet joined forces with Sargent House to put out what would end up being a de facto double album. This fifth record was created at the same time as their previous effort, Solace. The band decided against a double album and decided to split the release into two entities.

Where Solace was a much more uplifting offering with its far-reaching riffs and euphoric, almost dreamy undertones, Burden couldn’t be more different. It’s intended to make you feel claustrophobic with its pulsating riffs and recurring sense of misery.

The foundation of Rob McWilliams’ menacing riffs and almost dulcet vocals create an eerie experience, as if you’re being summoned by Lucifer himself. Opener Indigo almost harks back to early Ghost, shrouded in mystery whilst making you journey through your darkest nightmares. Elsewhere, Bleak Patterns erupts with Middle Eastern-inspired intricacies, before blasting into very depths of the bleakest blackhole.

Closing number Chasm brings this journey to a devastating end – in the best possible way. It’s a murky, evil sounding bit of excellence, which is elevated even further by a skull-smashing solo from Russian Circles’ Mike Sullivan. Its abrupt ending of fuzz cuts through you like your TV is about to be interrupted by the girl from The Ring, it really does leave you feeling somewhat worse for wear.

If you want your doom bleak, then look no further than REZN.

4/5

For fans of: Ghost, Pallbearer, Russian Circles

Burden is released on June 14 via Sargent House