DEAD ROOTS STIRRING

Elder's Dead Roots Stirring is their second and much improved album. This and their self titled work are rather similar, same instruments, same band members, and same style of music; just that this one is better in every way. As far as I can hear, this album has no keyboards, but this isn't a problem since this band is all about the guitars. Once again DiSalvo steals the show with his playing, and he's a lot more creative with his writing.

"GEMINI" is the first track and consists of two parts. The first part is more of standard rocker with a chorus that I can see the crowd shouting during a show. This is probably the weakest part of the album and I feel even weaker than the first album. However, it only gets better with the second part with an awesome guitar solo creating an epic melody. The second and one of the most iconic Elder songs is "DEAD ROOTS STIRRING." This is the longest song up to this point at twelve minutes long (unless of course, you consider both parts of Riddle of Steel as one song). This is also the most progressive song so far kicking off with an awesome four minute guitar solo. After this, the song goes back and forth between singing and instruments, and even towards the end of this song, new riffs and melodies are introduced; legendary song. "III" is an instrumental song starting off with acoustic guitars and a medieval aura. This track builds up into a heavier electric guitar riff, and before you know it, the song ends. This one is rather hypnotizing and feels shorter than it actually is. "THE END" is an intense and highly energetic track. I especially like the riff after the first chorus. The second half of the song consists of a lot of jamming with the last forty seconds being especially ear pleasing. The last song, "KNOT," is also a lengthy track at twelve minutes. This one's fast paced and adventurous, taking you on a musical journey from beginning to end. I get a lot of early Rush vibes with it being less heavy but still having edge to it.

This album is excellent for any heavy prog or metal fan. While not the most progressive, Elder's creativity is already taking off. Four stars, Especially thanks to the epic "title" track.