A DREAM IN STATIC

I recently made the abrupt decision to get back into Metal. I knew it was going to happen eventually, just because I have a lot of Metal and related albums to review yet. It just sort of dawned on me though that I didn't want to leave them all to the end(yes there is an end in sight for my reviews) so starting last week I'm back in the saddle again. And I chose the debut from this New England quartet that is known as EARTHSIDE. A band who is modern, even though this was released ten years ago now. Lets just say to these ears this is modern as I have lost touch with this sub-genre. The post rock guitars, the orchestration, the cinematic soundscapes, and the djent influence are all here.

EARTHSIDE are very fortunate to have financial backing as well. I mean it allowed them to make the record that they wanted to make without cutting corners or compromising. This album was marketed big time, plus they don't have a vocalist so they brought in some known singers from this sub-genre like Daniel Tomkins from TESSERACT, Lajon Witherspoon from SEVENDUST plus two other vocalists. Kind of like what INDUKTI, AEON ZEN and LONG DISTANCE CALLING used to do, bringing in singers from other bands. And then they get Travis Smith to do the incredible cover art. And then they get known producer David Castillo(KATATONIA, OPETH, RUSH etc.) to record and produce it.

So yes it seems a little odd that a new band would have such pull, but money talks. The other part of this equation is that three of the four members(minus the bass player) were in a band called BUSHWHACK that released an album back in 2007 that gets higher ratings on the RYM site than this one does. So we get eight tracks worth around 64 minutes. This band contrasts sections really well. The repeated themes is something I like, and they also do that well. Those post rock styled guitars are front and centre on the 8 minute opener "The Closest I've Come". Contrasted with the heavier riff based passages.

The orchestration is heard first on that second song "Mob Mentality", where we get vocals for the first time from the SEVENDUST dude. Some furious orchestral maneuvers after 4 minutes. And it's uplifting around 7 1/2 minutes. The TESSERACT singer is featured on the next song which is the title track. A proggy 7 1/2 minute tune. The cinematic soundscapes come to the fore on "Entering The Light" along with more orchestration. "Skyline" at 9 1/2 minutes might be my favourite along with the closer. Some beautiful sections on this one including piano. Those Post rock vibes are strong later on.

"Crater" is a great tune with some extreme vocals and heavy sound with the guitar soloing away. "The Ungrounding" has some real heaviness to it before 2 minutes along with atmosphere. An intense yet gorgeous piece. Lastly "Contemplation Of The Beautiful" at almost 12 minutes ends it. This song stood out above the rest after that first listen. Headphone music for sure. Vocals go from quiet to aggressive, just like the music. Check out the beauty of the strings after 10 minutes. This song really pushes this album well into 4 star territory for me.

I'm back Metal fans! Yes it's been a while but Metal related music is first love stuff in my world. My tastes have changed though so this should be an interesting ride. I hope to review at least one Metal related album a week for the next year plus.

Social review comments

Review related links

• Send comments to Mellotron Storm
• Report this review (#3156372)
• Buy EARTHSIDE music online with PA partners
• Show all EARTHSIDE MP3/Stream
• Go to EARTHSIDE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to A Dream In Static page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for EARTHSIDE related discussions