Between the Buried and Me may play intense, intricate heavy metal, but the group’s ominous-sounding name comes from a much tamer source: It’s a quote from a Counting Crows song, not the first band people would associate with heavy metal. But that’s just part of the appeal of BTBAM’s music, which is layered and elaborate and thoughtful, as much as it is loud and aggressive and technical. Formed in 2000 by vocalist/keyboardist Tommy Rogers and guitarist Paul Waggoner, the band has built a reputation for itself as one of the major forces in progressive metal, releasing acclaimed albums that often tackle detailed concepts.
The band’s latest release (out this week) is the first installment of the two-part album Automata, telling the story of a world where people’s dreams are broadcast for everyone to see. With the second half of Automata due this summer, the band is on tour with fellow progressive hard rock acts The Dear Hunter and Leprous, promoting the shows with a special 7-inch vinyl single, featuring a BTBAM cover by The Dear Hunter and a Dear Hunter cover by BTBAM. The band also covered a Counting Crows song on 2006’s The Anatomy Of, just one more example of its complexity.
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 7 p.m. March 15, starting at $25 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
