Barren Earth - Our Twilight EP

January 28, 2010

Reviewer: Jesse

Melodic death metal is a love/hate interest for me.  When it’s done right, it can be beautiful and provide a very eloquently emotional impact, e.g. Rapture and old Katatonia. When done wrong, it can be some of the most empty and hollow-sounding metal ever made, a carbon-copied replica of most bands before it, e.g. *insert nameless Gothenburg band here.* Barren Earth is yet another Finnish melodic death metal band, but one that is going down the right path in this field, at least so far, with their debut EP Our Twilight. 

Our Twilight is strikingly similar to Rapture, which is a good thing.  It’s mid-paced with a flood of melodic riffs, tasteful keyboards in the background and dual vocal styles: deep growls and clean singing.  Even though there are only four songs here, each one is its own individual and is extremely memorable, and that is going to be the big test when the full-length album is ready to be unveiled.  This genre relies heavily on the ability to leave a lasting impression on the listener, more than any other genre in metal in my opinion, mainly because there are no more stones to turn over or avenues left un-traveled. It’s imperative that the songs etch a memory in your head.  Barren Earth is a virtual all-star cast of musicians from several critically-acclaimed bands, like Moonsorrow and Swallow the Sun for example, and in that respect, I don’t think they’ll have a difficult time making a full-length album to live up to this EP.  This is quite a talented bunch of guys here.

Sign me up, I’m interested.

Release Date: November 9th, 2009
Label: Peaceville Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Our Twilight
2.  Jewel
3.  Flame of Serenity
4.  Floodred

Total playing time:  22:26

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: