Between the Buried & Me: The Making of Coma Ecliptic

Between the Buried & Me: The Making of Coma Ecliptic is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the production of the band Between the Buried and Me’s seventh studio album, Coma Ecliptic. Released in 2015, it documents the creative process, recording and production of this monumental album. It features original raw footage of the band members working in the studio, interviews, conversations, and a look into the unique songwriting process of the band. The movie offers fans of the band an unprecedented and intimate view into the birth of an album that was to become a milestone in their discography.

The movie begins by setting the scene for the creation of Coma Ecliptic — the period of gestation for the concept, the writing process, and the excitement and anticipation that surrounds the making of a new album by a band already known for their technical proficiency and musically complex compositions.

Between the Buried & Me: The Making of Coma Ecliptic is not just about the final music product; it's about the journey. It delves into the relentless pursuit of perfection, the determination to keep pushing their musical boundaries, and the camaraderie that keeps the band members going during the demanding recording process. This aspect of the movie greatly humanizes these musical virtuosos and makes for engrossing viewing.

The band members - Tommy Giles Rogers, Paul Waggoner, Dustie Waring, Dan Briggs, and Blake Richardson - are prominently featured, with each given spotlight moments. They share insights into their personal experiences, the challenges they faced, and their individual contributions to the album. From Tommy's unique approach to lyric writing and song structuring, Paul's and Dustie's intricate guitar work, Dan's vibrant bass lines, to Blake's punishing and textural drumming, the film casts a comprehensive and respectful look at every band member's role in making the album.

In addition to the band, the film goes beyond the confines of the sound booth to include interviews with key people who have had a significant impact on the album production. As such, the audiences get to hear from the team behind-the-scenes, like producer Jamie King, who has worked with Between the Buried and Me on a number of their albums. These interviews add another layer of depth, providing a broader perspective on the creation of Coma Ecliptic.

Being a film about a progressive metal band, Between the Buried & Me: The Making of Coma Ecliptic is naturally imbued with the band's music. Viewers are treated to excerpts of tracks from Coma Ecliptic, taken straight from the studio's control room, promising a unique sonic experience.

The documentary also stands out for its solid editing and cinematography. The movie provides a raw and intimate look at the recording process, from adrenaline-fueled tracking sessions to the quieter moments of reflection and review. This honest depiction reflects the reality of creating music, revealing both its challenges and rewards.

Fans of the band will not only appreciate getting a firsthand look into how a Between the Buried and Me album comes to life, but they will also enjoy the wealth of bonus material included. From candid moments of band members interacting with each other off-session to the inclusion of live concert footage, the film is thorough in its coverage of the band's life and work during the production of Coma Ecliptic.

But even non-fans, or those largely unfamiliar with the band's music, can enjoy Between the Buried & Me: The Making of Coma Ecliptic as a testament to creativity and an insight into the complex process of making progressive metal music. The film humanizes these musical maestros, allowing viewers to hear their thoughts and witness firsthand the dedication, and hard work it takes to make an album as technically demanding and thematically complex as Coma Ecliptic.

In conclusion, Between the Buried & Me: The Making of Coma Ecliptic is a compelling, riveting chronicle of how an ambitious album comes to life. It is a testimonial to the creative process and a tribute to the spirit of a band renowned for its masterful musicianship and unparalleled creativity. Whether you are a fan of the band or simply curious about the process of music creation, this movie is sure to entertain, inspire, and most of all, deeply impress.