About this album

Sound: "A labyrinth of intricate riffs and dynamic shifts, blending technical prowess with emotional depth."

Where they were

Released on October 27, 2009, 'The Great Misdirect' marks Between the Buried and Me's fifth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 'Colors'. At this point, the band was solidifying their reputation within the progressive metal scene, showcasing an evolution in songwriting that balanced complexity with accessibility.

Why it matters

'The Great Misdirect' received widespread acclaim for its ambitious structure, often cited in conversations about modern progressive metal. The album debuted at number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart and was praised by outlets like Metal Injection for pushing genre boundaries while maintaining melodic integrity.

Essential tracks

  • "Swim to the Moon" — This epic closer encapsulates the album's exploration of themes like existentialism and introspection, combining serene melodies with intense crescendos.
  • "Obfuscation" — With its complex time signatures and shifting dynamics, this track exemplifies the band's technical skill and innovative approach to composition.
  • "Mirrors" — As one of the more straightforward tracks, 'Mirrors' serves as a perfect entry point into the album's layered soundscapes while retaining a powerful emotional core.

Release Date

October 27, 2009

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Mirrors 3:37
  2. 2 Obfuscation 9:15
  3. 3 Disease, Injury, Madness 11:02
  4. 4 Fossil Genera – A Feed From Cloud Mountain 12:10
  5. 5 Desert of Song 5:33
  6. 6 Swim to the Moon 17:53

Disc 2

  1. 1 The Making of the Great Misdirect
  2. 2 Gear Walkthrough

Disc 3

  1. 1 Mirrors 3:37
  2. 2 Obfuscation 9:15
  3. 3 Disease, Injury, Madness 11:03
  4. 4 Fossil Genera – A Feed From Cloud Mountain 12:10
  5. 5 Desert of Song 5:33
  6. 6 Swim to the Moon 17:53