A Dirty Dozen with JOSH DUMMER from BURIED REALM – February 2025

According to a recent press release: “BURIED REALM is a force in the melodic death metal realm, emerging from Colorado Springs, Colorado, under the creative vision of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Josh Dummer. BURIED REALM has delivered a unique blend of technical rhythm and lead guitars, atmospheric synths, and progressive songwriting, drawing influence from 1980s shred guitar icons like Jason Becker and Marty Friedman, as well as American and Scandinavian death metal. With a desire to break free from formulaic approaches, Josh explores diverse atmospheres and ideas, crafting music that pushes creative boundaries. BURIED REALM’s three acclaimed albums—The Ichor Carcinoma (2017), Embodiment of the Divine (2020), and Buried Realm (2022)—are testaments to Josh’s vision of pushing boundaries while staying rooted in the genre’s core intensity and complexity.” We get Josh to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

This is my fourth solo album, and it’s packed with multiple layers of orchestration, intricate guitar work, and intense drumming. I’d say it’s quite a lot to take in on the first listen. There are also a few callbacks to previous material—some listeners might pick up on them, we’ll see!

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I grew up in a household filled with music, thanks to my parents who always had something playing. Early on, I was exposed to a lot of pop and hard rock. As I entered my early teens, I discovered heavier bands like Korn, Slipknot, and Pantera through friends at school. Seeing some of my friends pick up instruments like guitar and drums really inspired me to grab a guitar myself and start creating my own music at that time.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

I’d say a few bands played a major role in shaping my musical taste. It all started with Slipknot, particularly their self-titled album and Iowa. From there, I was led down a more ‘underground’ path—at least at the time—where I discovered bands like At The Gates, In Flames, Dimmu Borgir, and Children of Bodom. Exploring those bands took my inspiration to a whole new level.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Jason Becker. He’s one of my favorite guitarists.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

Exercise is my go-to activity when I’m out of the studio. I make it a point to stay consistent with my workouts because they’re therapeutic. Whether it’s lifting weights, hiking, or focusing on stretching and mobility work, it helps me clear my mind, relieve stress, and stay focused. Exercise is a great way to reset and recharge after long hours of writing or recording.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I’d describe my music as fast, technical, and mostly melodic—but that’s just my perspective. Those words can mean different things to different people. When it comes to comparisons, I sometimes hear people relating my music to bands or artists that I wouldn’t have expected or don’t quite understand. But at the end of the day, if that’s what they hear and feel, who am I to argue? Music is subjective, and I’m just glad they connect with it in their own way.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I suppose all of that would be me, haha.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Years ago, my old band, Frozen Eternity, played a festival in Seattle. As we finished our set, I was packing up my guitar and heading off stage when I suddenly noticed Jeff Loomis standing right there. I had no idea he’d been watching from the side stage for the last song or two! He shook my hand and said something like, ‘That was awesome, man!’ I was completely shocked—Nevermore wasn’t even playing the show; he was just there to check out the show. I was honestly at a loss for words. Such a cool guy!

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Creating something from nothing – to take an idea, a feeling, or even just a riff and build it into a full composition. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a song evolve from a rough concept into a fully realized piece of music that resonates with others. It’s a process that never gets old. If, for some reason, I could no longer be a musician, I think I’d still find a way to stay involved in music in some capacity – whether through working behind the scenes in production or exploring graphic design and illustration. Music has been such a huge part of my life, and I’d always want to contribute to it in some form.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I’ve always felt that some interview questions tend to be quite robotic and generalized, making it challenging to provide in-depth or meaningful responses. Interviews become much more engaging when the interviewer has taken the time to research an artist’s previous work – unless, of course, it’s a brand-new artist with no background or musical history. Doing so allows for more unique and insightful questions, leading to more interesting conversations and more thoughtful answers.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Looking back, there are definitely moments where I feel certain production aspects of my previous work could have been improved. With hindsight, it’s easy to pinpoint areas where things might have been done differently – whether it’s the mix, tone choices, or overall sonic balance. However, I believe that every song and album has its own unique character and charm, shaped by the creative choices made at the time. Those imperfections are part of the journey and contribute to the authenticity of the music. Ultimately, I see those experiences as learning opportunities that have helped me grow and refine my craft moving forward.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I think it would be incredible to be part of the recording sessions for Pantera’s Far Beyond Driven. That album represents a pinnacle of aggression and intensity in metal, and it’s where Pantera truly distilled their raw, unrelenting energy into something that still resonates today. What stands out to me the most is the sheer attitude of the album—it’s brimming with power and a no-holds-barred approach to both songwriting and performance.

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Category: Interviews