Burning the Oppressor - Waking Nightmare (2025) Hi-Res

Burning the Oppressor's fifth studio album, *Waking Nightmare*, released on April 18, 2025, via M&O Music, delves into themes of death, mental illness, and inner turmoil. The album comprises twelve tracks that blend heavy, pounding riffs with oppressive atmospheres and poignant melodic passages, aiming to translate the emotional rollercoaster of human experience.

A detailed review by *Ondes Chocs* highlights the album's structured emotional progression. The opening track, "Eternal Rest," sets a melancholic tone that transitions into the aggressive "Slaying Princess," described as a paradox of brutality and intelligent composition. Mid-album tracks like "Explode" and "Suffocation" explore themes of depression and anxiety, with "Suffocation" noted for its progressive rock introduction leading into a powerful deathcore refrain. The album concludes with "Lizards & Worms" and "Silence," which the band intended to convey messages of resilience and hope amidst pain and loss.

Produced by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy) and recorded in Montreal and Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, Canada, the album features the band's lineup: Kevin Bordello (vocals), Jeff Roy (guitar), Frédérick Mouraux (guitar), Vincent Benoit (bass), and Sam Venne (drums). The production emphasizes clarity and power, allowing the intricate compositions to resonate fully.

*Waking Nightmare* is recognized as a significant evolution in Burning the Oppressor's discography, showcasing their ability to blend technical proficiency with emotive expression, resulting in a compelling and cathartic listening experience.