Earth —Even Hell has its Heroes (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Review]
Even Hell Has Its Heroes (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is the latest full length album by Earth. The band was formed in Olympia, Washington back in 1989. On the early stages they have collaborated with Kurt Cobain, and recorded one of the most heavy and minimalist and albums known to mankind (the debut EP and first Album). Earth's music proves a point minimalism can be elegantly adopted in to heavier guitar oriented styles of music.
Minimalism as a musical movement has been forming since the 1960's of the 20th century. The transition of this musical philosophy into metal began in the late 1980's and is heavily influenced by 60's and 70's psychedelic rock and proto-doom metal. Earth throughout their career have made a statement by sticking to the minimalist sound philosophy. Yet in that simplicity comes depth and authenticity, their music is deeply psychedelic. Later records incorporate non-metal styles such as jazz and country music as well as psychedelic rock in the mix. The music is dusty, dry and desert like, yet is apart from the desert-rock scene. In a way it is more "spiritual"; it details the existential journey through a psychedelic trip. Author Cormac McCarthy with his pessimistic and gloomy westerns is another influence, which is evident by track titles from some albums.
This album is, first of all, a soundtrack to the documentary about the band's history. As such it serves as a sort of "the best album" which demonstrates Earth's minimalist authenticity. The album is certainly not a compilation but rather a coherent work which delivers its point across while flowing like a river. Trombone, organ, cello and synth are present on the record, which ends up sounding a bit more jazzy then the previous Earth's albums. The hour flies by quickly, the attentive listener is sure not to get bored, unlike people who seek entertainment and excitement from every second of the albums they listen to. This is meant to be a meditative and melancholic journey full of self-reflection, not an action pack blockbuster.
The music has more in common with ambient rather than with other rock and metal styles. The same kind of atmosphere can only be found in a two-part record "Stories of the Astral Lizard" by The Re-Stoned. Dylan Carlson droning laid back unique guitar style fits perfectly with Adrienne Davies' drumming, together they achive the atmosphere they seek to convey. The use of samples of nature and other sounds adds to the experience.
So why should you listen to Even Hell Has Its Heroes? If you want a meditative, thoughtful, and introverted journey, not a lot of records offer that as good as later Earth's material. Berlin school synth driven acts like Tangerine Dreams and Klaus Schulze does offer the same kind of state of mind, yet Earth's guitar progressions have a different structure to them. Standout tracks: Omage 1 The Unbearable Weight of History, Queen Anne's Revenge, The Bees Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull (live), This Bitter Glory. Yet this is surely meant to be listen to as a whole album for the best experience. of History, Queen Anne's Revenge, The Bees Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull (live), This Bitter Glory. Yet this is surely meant to be listen to as a whole album for the best experience.
By Vargtimmen
