From their website, “Following the ADIS album cycle, the members of the band began writing their next record immersed in this fiery inspiration … in a way that was both unfamiliar and detrimental to their day-to-day lives. Years of recording and scrutinizing, a pandemic, and nearly 80 minutes of music later, the group’s idealistic ambition and absurd commitment to quality had all but broken them. But, good can come from the abrasiveness of confronting the truth and humbling oneself before what we do not fully know and have only assumed. Indeed, “Let the Truth Speak” is truly an international affair, featuring vocalists and storytellers from all walks of life and corners of the globe.” The album has ten songs.

“But What if we’re Wrong” is first. The percussion is what stands out first for me. The sound is dark, but rich, almost like a passing storm with periods of calm. “We who Lament” is the first song that I heard in advance of the album, and it’s murky, and enigmatic, with delicate melodies that lash out at times. The bass work is especially good in this song, and that glorious mid-section is a bag packed full of candy. “Tyranny” has a heartier structure, with some early dissonant tones among the melodies. Piano and vocals carry the sound in the beginning, and the vocals flow over with emotion. The sound shifts often but they never lose sight of the end game…this is a sign of advanced songwriting.

“Pattern of Rebirth” is a short little jaunt with effervescent melodies and a thick and structured backbone. One of the things I like most about the album so far are the seamless transitions in and out of hardened and graceful passages. “Watching the Earth Sink” is the longest on the album. The first few minutes consist of guitar exploration, but when the main sound hits, it drops like a meteor to the earth. This song is much more of a journey than a destination, and in many ways like the seasons of your life…at times, downright difficult, and during other times, absolutely blissful and fulfilling. “The Lesser Evil” is another lengthy song. Turing over the table, it features bright and accessible melodies, and even some funky tones with backing “big band” music.

“Denial’s Aria” is a short, but charming song, with elegant and tender melodies and a very strong, emotional vocal performance. The harmonies work together in perfect union. “Vespers” is “a service of evening prayer in the Divine Office of the Western Christian Church.” Mostly beautiful ambiance, it serves as a segue to the final two songs. The title track is another long song. It has heavy accents from bass, rhythm guitars and drums, and frothy melodies that fill the air. Overcast and shadowy at times, it is also quite potent and climactic. “All We Knew and Ever Loved” closes the album. The sound bubbles from the bottom up, wallowing in soft and ethereal tones. The skies turn stormy after the half-way mark, but also illustrious and dazzling, and the keyboards at the end are the zenith of the album.

Let’s get one thing straight…this was a very ambitious effort. Over 80 minutes of music could indeed break many artists, but EARTHSIDE met the challenge head on, and the results are magnificent. “Let the Truth Speak” is veritable opus of challenging and complex music that is just so easy to listen to. This is a contender for “Album of the Year” for me. Gentlemen…start your engines and get ready for the ride of your life.