Doom/Death Metal masters, SUN OF THE DYING, released their sophomore album 11.29.2019. Following the release of their first album, "The Roar of the Furious Sea", "The Earth is Silent" keeps with the apocalyptic theme, echoing the barrenness of a silent world with no man left. The ache of the death of love and life and everything herein. The band was created in 2013 as a side project, gradually taking shape until full birth in 2015. Thus, began their first venture, "The Roar of the Furious Sea", released April 2017. Amidst all that work on releasing the first album, the bands members fluctuated some to reflect todays current members.

Their second album, "The Earth is Silent", is a more emotional approach following Nordic Doom/Death Metal tradition. It is an album drawing influences from places such as classic mythology and the works prolific authors such as Dylan Thomas, H.P. Lovecraft, and Cormac McCarthy. These seven songs are sure to take you on a journey of fantasy and darkness. A production that takes you to the loneliest of lonely. All with heart wrenching musical notes that effortlessly sweep you along as the power of the undercurrents won't release you.

"The Earth is Silent" - Intros with a lustfully lonely melody. A tune that instantly grabs you and takes you deeper into its web of despair. Promptly dropping you into song number two. "A Dying Light" - Softly sung vocals backed by keyboard, deepens into a very synthesized atmosphere. Then, when you think you are all warm and cozy they descend into much deeper vocals. A song that speaks of dying light, and the anger at the loss of it all. "A Cold Unnamed Fear" - Written about death and love. "She came to me, She stood on the cliff, She looked pale, Hearing the furious sea". A very dark and sad song. With its lovely melodic undertones.

"Orion" - Here they speak of hope. "The moon shows the calm of the sea, A quiet reflection of hope over me". This is, indeed, a very Nordic sounding song, both in melody and lyrically. Very well played musically throughout. "When the Morning Came" - Of utter and darkest despair we awake. A morning when all good things are lost. A cold and broken existence where "no one smiles". With its soft and very stoic entry notes, this song leaves you aching for the warmth of love.

This is some pretty typical melodic metal. From its roots in fantasy, to its stories of death and despair. I think what stands out the most is the musical content. The maestros of the emotion they grab you and hold on tight to its cold and bitter end. All very steeped in its Nordic roots.