Buried are officially dropping their first EP, Infect and Replicate, and they’re making sure it hits hard. Formed in 2022, the Phoenix-based crew aren’t complete newcomers by any stretch - bassist Preston Wilson and guitarist Alex Valdés kicked things off with a clear vision, pulling from doom’s ominous weight, thrash’s relentless energy, and the intricate twists of prog to create something that’s heavy as hell but still keeps you locked in. They brought in longtime friend and vocalist Ben Rosputni, whose raw, commanding delivery adds a whole other dimension to their sound. Rounding out the lineup is their newest member, drummer Joe Symons, who steps in with a fresh energy that drives the band forward. With Infect and Replicate, Buried are setting the tone for who they are - brooding, intense, and full of moments that throw you off balance in the best way.
The EP kicks off with 'Haunted', and right away, the name makes sense. There’s this creeping, uneasy melody that feels like walking through some abandoned house, the kind where the air is too still, and you’re waiting for something to lunge out from the shadows. Rosputni’s vocals only add to that tension, teetering between restrained menace and full-throttle aggression. The track simmers, keeping things tightly wound - until it doesn’t. In the final stretch, the riffing kicks up, the energy surges, and suddenly, it’s a full-speed descent into chaos.
Plunging into 'Loving You' next, which plays things a little differently. It starts slow, almost hypnotic, with a rhythmic pulse that lulls you into a false sense of security - before yanking the rug out from under you. The intensity ramps up fast, catching you off guard in the best way. The contrast makes the heavier moments hit even harder, and the distortion on the guitars adds a raw edge to it all. It’s got that push and pull that makes for a great metal track - unexpected but completely locked in.
Continuing onwards, 'Tallies' wastes no time getting straight to the point. Right out of the gate, it’s all intensity - Rosputni’s vocals cut through the mix like a blade, piercing through the wall of guitars. The track feels urgent, like it’s barely holding itself together in the best way, keeping that raw, aggressive energy pulsing all the way through.
The EP closes with 'No Saviors', and it’s the kind of track that lingers long after the final note. Right from the start, there’s this uneasy, ticking rhythm paired with a droning guitar that feels like a countdown to something ominous. When the vocals and heavier guitars finally crash in, it’s like the floor dropping out from under you. The slow, almost hypnotic riffing builds this looming tension, giving Rosputni’s vocals even more room to shine - his delivery is raw, intense, and commanding, pushing the song’s weight even further. It’s a fitting closer, wrapping up Infect and Replicate with a feeling of unease that sticks with you.
Infect and Replicate is a serious opening statement from Buried. The EP is packed with weight, unpredictability, and an underlying urgency that makes every moment feel alive. It’s heavy, it’s unsettling, and most importantly, it feels like just the beginning.
Score: 6/10
Infect and Replicate will be released on March 12th 2025.
Words: Jason De Mendonca
Photos: Buried
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