Savage Lands Recruit Arch Enemy, Sepultura, Etc. Members For Their Debut Album Army of the Trees
Savage Lands, a new force in the world of extreme metal, has set the scene for an earth-shattering debut album, Army of the Trees. This ambitious release not only marks the band’s entry into the heavy metal landscape but also features a collaboration of some of the most renowned and respected musicians in the genre, including members from Arch Enemy, Sepultura, and more. Army of the Trees promises to be a tour de force of crushing riffs, blistering drumming, and guttural vocals, drawing from a rich pool of influences while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the heavy metal world.
A Supergroup in the Making
One of the most notable aspects of Army of the Trees is the lineup itself. Savage Lands has carefully curated a roster of musicians from some of the most influential and pioneering metal bands of the last few decades. The band’s ability to recruit such legendary figures is a testament to their ambition and the potential they see in their own music.
Among the key members involved in this project are:
- Michael Amott (Arch Enemy, Carcass): Known for his blistering guitar work and melodic death metal roots, Amott brings a signature style to the album that will undoubtedly add a layer of technicality and atmosphere.
- Andreas Kisser (Sepultura): As the guitarist for the Brazilian thrash legends Sepultura, Kisser’s experience with heavy, groove-laden riffs and his wide-ranging musical influences make him a natural fit for a project that seeks to explore a variety of styles within the heavy metal spectrum.
- Jean-Paul Gaster (Clutch): Gaster’s drumming style, which blends hard-hitting rhythms with intricate, almost jazzy elements, provides a solid backbone for the album. His ability to lock in with the pulse of the song while adding subtle dynamics will help elevate the album’s composition.
- Max Cavalera (Soulfly, Ex-Sepultura): Cavalera’s involvement is one of the most exciting aspects of the album, bringing his signature voice and ferocious presence to the music. His contributions will add an element of intensity and raw emotion that has been a hallmark of his career.
- Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy, Ex-Arch Enemy): Gossow’s commanding growls and powerful vocal delivery are a perfect fit for the dark and aggressive atmosphere that Savage Lands aims to create on Army of the Trees.
The Concept Behind Army of the Trees
While the musicians themselves are undoubtedly a huge draw for metal fans, the concept behind Army of the Trees is equally intriguing. The album’s title suggests a theme that revolves around nature, environmentalism, and perhaps the struggle between the natural world and industrialization. However, instead of just focusing on these themes in a conventional sense, Savage Lands seems to be aiming for a more mythological and fantastical take.
The idea of an “army of the trees” evokes images of ancient forests, primordial creatures, and epic battles between humanity and the forces of nature. This concept may also hint at the dangers posed by unchecked deforestation, climate change, and the destruction of ecosystems. However, given the involvement of such renowned musicians, it’s safe to assume that the album will also incorporate a more existential and philosophical approach to these themes, combining intense personal reflection with sweeping, larger-than-life narratives.
In interviews leading up to the album’s release, members of the band have mentioned that they are striving to create a world in which the music serves as both an escape and a reflection of the real world’s struggles. The “army of the trees” could be a metaphor for a rebellion, a force of nature fighting back against the human-made forces that threaten to destroy it.
A Sonic Journey Through Metal Subgenres
Musically, Army of the Trees does not shy away from its roots in classic heavy metal, thrash, death metal, and other extreme subgenres. However, with such a diverse lineup of musicians, the album will undoubtedly push the boundaries of these genres, blending elements of death, thrash, doom, and melodic metal into something uniquely Savage Lands.
The involvement of Michael Amott, with his history in melodic death metal, suggests that Army of the Trees will feature intricate, layered guitar work, balancing ferocity with melody. Expect sweeping, atmospheric sections alongside blistering solos and intricate harmonies, echoing the sounds of Arch Enemy and Carcass but with a unique twist.
Andreas Kisser’s contribution, especially his expertise in groove-heavy thrash, will likely add an aggressive, chugging rhythm to the album, allowing the band to explore darker, more rhythmic terrain. Fans of Sepultura’s mid-era albums will find much to enjoy in Kisser’s approach to the guitar, especially in the way he incorporates Brazilian influences, while simultaneously pushing the envelope of modern thrash.
Jean-Paul Gaster’s drumming will provide a key element in balancing the aggression of the riffs with the ethereal atmosphere of the album. His ability to play with dynamics, shifting from heavy, pounding beats to more intricate, jazzy elements, will allow Savage Lands to explore the full spectrum of sound. His drum patterns will be integral in keeping the momentum of the album moving, whether in a thunderous breakdown or a more contemplative, ambient moment.
The vocal contributions from Max Cavalera and Angela Gossow will be another highlight of Army of the Trees. Cavalera’s guttural growls and primal screams have always been a staple of his music, and his performance on this album will add a sense of urgency and aggression. Gossow, known for her ferocious vocal delivery in Arch Enemy, will provide the perfect complement to Cavalera’s style, bringing a more melodic yet equally powerful presence. The contrast between the two will add depth to the album, allowing for a dynamic interplay of voices that heightens the intensity of the music.
The Creative Process and Recording
The creative process behind Army of the Trees has been described by the band as both collaborative and intense. Given the backgrounds of the musicians involved, it’s no surprise that the album has taken several years to complete. Each member of Savage Lands has brought their own vision to the table, and this amalgamation of ideas has resulted in a work that is not only ambitious but also sonically complex.
The recording process took place in several studios, with each musician contributing their parts remotely due to the logistical challenges of coordinating schedules with such a busy group of individuals. Despite these challenges, the album sounds cohesive, a testament to the band’s ability to work together and build on each other’s strengths.
The production of Army of the Trees was handled by a renowned producer in the world of extreme metal, ensuring that the sound captured in the studio was as raw and powerful as the music itself. The album has a massive, towering sound that reflects the themes of natural forces and destruction, with heavy, pulsating rhythms juxtaposed against more atmospheric, ambient sections that provide breathing room for the listener.
Reception and Anticipation
As the release date for Army of the Trees draws near, excitement among metal fans has reached a fever pitch. The concept, the musicians involved, and the snippets of music that have been teased in interviews and social media posts have all fueled anticipation for the album’s release. The fact that the album features such a star-studded lineup only adds to the intrigue, as fans are eager to see how these legendary musicians will come together to create something new and groundbreaking.
Early reviews from industry insiders and critics who have heard the album suggest that Savage Lands has created something truly special. The blending of genres, the depth of the musicianship, and the ambitious conceptual framework all point to an album that will resonate deeply with fans of extreme metal.
While it’s impossible to predict exactly how Army of the Trees will be received by the wider metal community, the involvement of such iconic figures in metal suggests that the album is poised to make a lasting impact. Savage Lands has crafted an album that not only respects the traditions of metal but also pushes its boundaries, making Army of the Trees a must-listen for fans of heavy music in 2024.
Conclusion
With Army of the Trees, Savage Lands is not just introducing a debut album; they are making a statement. This record, fueled by a stellar lineup of musicians from Arch Enemy, Sepultura, Clutch, and more, represents the future of heavy metal while paying tribute to the genre’s past. Through a blend of melodic death metal, thrash, and atmospheric soundscapes, Savage Lands has created something that promises to be as innovative as it is brutal. The album’s themes of nature, rebellion, and destruction will resonate with listeners on both a sonic and emotional level, setting the stage for Savage Lands to carve out a significant place in the annals of heavy metal history.
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