After the Burial - on Trash and Burn tour Photo: Travis Tutwiler

“I think people should be able to dance to music, you know, move around and mosh and everything,” says Justin Lowe, guitarist/co-founder of Minnesota’s After The Burial. “I’m really into heavy stuff that maintains some sort of groove.”

And that’s exactly what you get with ATB’s latest release, Rareform. Along with Trent Hafdahl (guitar/co-founder), Lee Foral (bass) and Dan Carle (drums); Justin and company deliver stellar guitar, plenty of lo-end groove, tempo changes and a fresh sound that keeps you finding something new with each listen.

“All of our influences are well rounded, and a lot of us listen to a lot of different music,” explains Justin. “There are some similarities, but there’s such a wide spectrum of influences. I like to play stuff that’s fun. It’s hard to feel we can fit into this category or sound like them or something like that. I just say we play heavy metal.”

Justin and Trent formed the band in October 2004 and met Lee shortly afterward. “There was this message board where people post rants, raves, whatever. I saw ‘seeking bassist,’” recalls Lee. “We played a small show in the Twin Cities/Metro area, and Lee came out and approached me after the show. He said ‘I heard you guys are looking for a bass player,’ and that’s basically how we got together. Then he came out and jammed a couple of times, joined and we started writing.”

Part of the sound that sets ATB apart is its use of eight-string guitars. “We used to use seven-string guitars but we got the eight-strings about seven months prior to going into the studio to record this album (Rareform). With any new instrument, it takes constant practice and rehearsal to even be comfortable using it,” admits Justin. “Now we have this extra string, so how do we use it? What would be the best way to use it to fit? The reason I like it is because I like to tune low but don’t like to de-tune my guitar. I want to be able to be able to play anything that’s written in E or D.”

Just check out the swing time groove on “Berzeker” and “The Fractal Effect,” and you’ll swear it was bass providing some of the groove. Or be mesmerized by the guitar intro for “Aspiration” and the twin lead solo for the outro on “Ometh.”

“We’re gonna be coming to your city soon,” Justin relates, “so try to make it out to a show and hang out.”

You’ll get that chance when they make their way back through Dallas at The Max on November 25. They’re part of the Progressive Damnation Tour featuring Born Of Osiris, Shai Hulud and Burning The Masses.