On the Earth, Under the Sky
Wildeornes

From Bandcamp, "Mixing blast beats, growling and melodic vocals, stomping mid pace classic metal riffs, and epic song structures, "On the Earth, Under the Sky" is a double concept album. Tracks 1-5 are new, and tracks 6-9 are reworked songs from the previous album. The two albums form a conceptual whole that continues the band's lyrical exploration of eastern and western existential philosophy, deep ecology, and Celtic, Anglo Saxon, and Norse mythologies." The album has nine songs.
"Mouth of the River" is the first. The opening tones are heavy, tense, and even a bit musty in terms of the production. The vocals are interesting...they are harmonized with cleans and harsh ones an octave lower. "On the Earth, Under the Sky" is a beastly ten minutes in length. Fast, aggressive guitars and audible bass notes work well with the pace of the drums. Smooth acoustic tones follow, and the guitars build a mesmerizing feeling. From there, the landscape evens out a bit, with a combination of sad elements as well as angry ones.
"Block Out the Light" begins with soft tones, but that riff that kicks in later is both ominous and powerful. One thing you will notice about the album is the tone that the guitarist uses...it is downright bossy. The chorus is almost anthemic...join in the singing! "Under Oak" begins with tense tones and some bluesy leads. Spacey element occupy the background. A heavy, bossy riff plods in from there. It's akin to the footsteps of a wooly mammoth wandering icy plains. The vocals are done in tandem once again, and it really helps to thicken out the sound. It's so thick in fact, it's sticky.
"The Sons of Muspell Ride" begins with doleful acoustic guitars. Some more bluesy leads mix in as well, and the vocals are rich with harmonies. Just before the half-way mark, a punishing, heavy riff drops that is slow and agonizing. The pace quickens from there, and the accompanying leads are soulful. It's another strong anthem...I don't know who the sons are, but I know I want to ride off with them. "The Longest Night" is a weighted, brutal affair, where the main riff could crush skulls in succession. The vocals are laments...like you have to live through the longest night of your life. Imagine what that experience might be like.
"White Caps" is another song that combines the sadness of tears with the ardent nature of lashing out. You can feel the emotions of the old man, sitting in his armchair, wrestling with feelings of hopelessness and anger. Which one will triumph? "Despite, Not Because" closes the album. The title is a reminder that we control our own destiny, and our own thoughts and feelings. The music is rousing and energetic. Overall, this double album was fantastic, combining the best of Doom Metal with elements of more traditional heavy metal. I mentioned above that the driving force on the album is the downright arrogant tone of the guitars, and the harmonized vocal style. But the bottom end, held by bass and drums, is every bit as impressive.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production

"On the Earth, Under the Sky" Track-listing:
1. Mouth of the River
2. On the Earth, Under the Sky
3. Block Out the Light
4. Under Oak
5. The Sons of Muspell Ride
6. The Longest Night
7. Ride the Abyss
8. White Caps
9. Despite, Not Because
Wildeornes Lineup:
Shane Hoffman - Bass
Tom Harvey - Drums
Richard Hammond - Guitars, Vocals
Damien Vennell - Guitars, Vocals
More results...