Label: Independent
Genre: Melodic Death/Thrash Metal
Length: 01:11:21
Earth, a melodic death/thrash metal band from Mexico, was formed in 2015 by bassist Elias Gasaft following the dissolution of his first project, Fallen Slaves. After several years in the making, the band finally released their debut album, [Un]Human, on September 13. This digital release marks an important step in the band's journey, setting the stage to captivate fans of extreme metal.
[Un]Human opens with Vanished, an instrumental intro that sets a heavy, melodic tone before shifting gears into the title track (Un)Human.Here, the band moves into faster, thrashier territory, fusing sharp riffs with melodic death elements. The influences of Speed and Power Metal are unmistakable, particularly in the soaring solos of this track and the explosive opening of New Reign.Throughout the album, Earth strikes a well-crafted balance between Melodic Death and Thrash Metal, with additional sonic flavors adding depth to their compositions.
Vocalist Elias Gasaft's piercing screams evoke shades of Alexi Laiho (R.I.P) particularly on the standout track Mind Blown, where his vocals seamlessly intertwine with the relentless riffage and intricate melodies. Gasaft's versatility shines, transitioning from shrieks to growls, especially prominent in tracks like Deceive The Pain. Moments of respite are woven into the album as well, such as the haunting interlude The Whisper of the Fallen, providing a momentary breather before the next onslaught.
Among the album’s standout cuts is Blinded and Torn Apart, a track defined by its unpredictable tempo changes and blistering solo sections. Decomposition of Minds captivates with its frenetic, crushing pace and atmospheric depth, while A World of Lies, the longest track on the album, makes its mark through its dynamic structure. This track feels like a journey, transitioning through varying tempos and moods, with certain passages bringing to mind Thrash titans like Kreator. The follow-up track, Impious King, begins with an ominous intro that quickly evolves into a Thrash-driven assault, where Gasaft's raw, angry vocal delivery takes center stage. Don't Forget My Name is another highlight, showcasing the band's technical prowess and creativity. It’s a meticulously structured track that serves as a testament to the band’s ability to craft intricate yet accessible metal.
[Un]Human is a stellar debut that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of melodic and thrash-tinged death metal. Earth combines blistering aggression with melody and technicality, delivering a record that stands tall in the modern extreme metal landscape.