I don't write about metal groups very often as I'm not a regular listener of the genre, and impressing me in that realm is a tough feat. Often, I encounter bands relying heavily on strong political messages and disturbing imagery in order to get visibility and attention from young listeners, yet with little investment in their musical craftsmanship to match that intensity. 

The last time I felt an obsession with a metal band that didn't disappoint was during Dir en Grey's glorious years (Withering to Death, Uroboros, Dum Spiro Spero, and Arché) until their complete shift to a more “pop” style of metal in Kisou, which made my obsession vanish. As you can see, a significant amount of time has passed since then.

However, Earthside managed to reignite that long-lost thirst for metal within me. All of their songs, for better or for worse, loudly proclaim: “Hey! I am a virtuoso!” The album is intense from beginning to end, dense, and well-written.

“What if We Are Wrong” and”'Pattern of Rebirth” showcase virtuosic rhythmic writing that grabs your attention from the first seconds. “Lesser Evil”' is unpredictable in its textures and harmonic progressions—an immersive experience that invites repeated listening.

It's not just the virtuosity of the collaborators and the band; the songwriting is superb, showcasing mastery in crafting contrasting timbral textures. Their aggressive rhythmic patterns, often paired with distorted electric guitars, find interruption through expansive, serene clean guitars enriched with satisfying convolution reverbs. At times, within calm passages, the song's construction and flow anticipate a contrasting, high-energy transition—expecting distorted guitars and powerful drum passages—only to deliver that change of energy, not with a change in orchestration but with an unconventional harmonic shift instead.

Each song features incredible collaborations with talented musicians, and I wholeheartedly invite you to listen. Let the truth speak—or rather, let the album speak for itself!

Author: Martín Cacho

Martín is a video game composer, producer and writer from Sonora, México.