ALBUM REVIEW: EARTHSIDE

Earthside release their sophomore album Let the Truth Speak on November 17, 2023 via Music Theories Recordings / Mascot Label Group. It’s been eight years since the debut album A Dream in Static was released to critical acclaim. I’m seeing Earthside’s music described as Cinematic Rock which is new terminology for me. A quick google search reveals the following definition: Rock music that incorporates bombastic orchestral and choral accompaniment to create an epic, cinematic view. While I think this definition is partly accurate, Earthside’s music is so much more. I hear significant metal, jazz fusion, pop, soul, new age and classical influences that the Cinematic Rock classification misses. To my ears, Let the Truth Speak is best described as progressive rock & metal. 

The album contains ten tracks with many in the eight-to-twelve-minute range. Don’t let the song length scare you, the songwriting is highly diversified, and the tracks constantly evolve keeping you fully engaged. Earthside deploy a diverse international mix of guest vocalists adding unique identity to each song (although three tracks are instrumental). The underlying music is complex, emotional, multi-layered, and requires some time investment to fully absorb. Early pre-release singles include “All We Knew and Ever Loved”, “We Who Lament” and the title track “Let the Truth Speak”. These songs are representative of the album but there’s far more to explore on release day.       

The album begins with “But What if We’re Wrong”, an atmospheric instrumental that’s heavy on keyboards / synths, guitar riffs, orchestration, and features the percussion group Sandbox Percussion who deliver some interesting strategically placed percussion intricacies. “We Who Lament” allows guest vocalist Keturah to shine with her charismatic and hauntingly beautiful vocal performance. It’s an epic track expressing multiple emotions including anger, sorrow, and jubilation. The underlying musicianship is exceptional with each bandmember given soloing opportunities. The next track “Tyranny” features vocalist Pritham Adhikary from the Indian metal band Aaron who displays excellent vocal range from clean and melodic singing to full throttle metal bellowing. From a musical perspective, it’s emotionally powerful building to a heavy chunky guitar riff driven climax. Multiple plays reward the listener with interesting musical nuances that are potentially missed on first play. 

The pace and aggression increase significantly on “A Pattern of Rebirth” with yet another guest vocalist AJ Channer from a band called Fire of the Gods. This is easily the heaviest track showcasing massive guitar riffs, blistering drumming, furious keyboards, and an incredibly addictive pre-chorus / chorus section. “Watching the Earth Sink” is an emotionally driven twelve-minute instrumental masterpiece that continues to evolve and surprise until the very end. Once again, multiple listens are required to fully appreciate the intricate musicianship and musical nuances. Ben Shanbrom’s drumming is stunning on this. “The Lesser Evil” is a pleasant surprise with guest vocalist Larry Braggs initially delivering his R&B / soul based vocals before the track suddenly bursts into a brilliant 70’s inspired jazz rock (or metal in this case) fusion path with massive funky bass lines, jazzy horns and heavy chugging guitars. Brilliantly executed, I love it. 

The album shifts direction with two relatively short tracks. “Denial’s Aria” is beautiful ballad where Keturah returns to deliver a chilling vocal performance. This song also features an impressive harp duo called Duo Scorpion who provide an underlying Celtic vibe to the music. “Vespers” is very brief and unique with vocal chanting and whispering. The title track “Let the Truth Speak” includes a more known vocalist, Daniel Tomkins from the progressive metal band Tesseract. Daniel is well known for his vast vocal range and it’s on full display here. Both Daniel and Earthside deliver outstanding performances on this progressive metal opus. The album ends as it began, “All We Knew and Ever Loved” is another powerful instrumental tour de force that features a second guest drummer Baard Kolstad from the band Leprous. Drumming fans will drool over this one.       

Let the Truth Speak is an incredibly diverse incorporating an international cast of talented vocalists and supporting musicians who share their unique talents and this album is better for it. The songwriting is beautifully crafted, and the musicianship is executed to perfection. I needed to invest some quality listening time to fully appreciate all this record has to offer. Exploring the crevices of this complex music is worth your time. Let the Truth Speak will appeal to fans of progressive music – I can’t recommend it enough.  

Track Listing

1. But What If We’re Wrong 
2. We Who Lament 
3. Tyranny 
4. Pattern of Rebirth 
5. Watching the Earth Sink
6. The Lesser Evil
7. Denial’s Aria 
8. Vespers 
9. Let the Truth Speak 
10. All We Knew and Ever Loved 

Line-up