Barren Earth – The Devil’s Resolve

Releasedate: 12-03-2012; Label: Peaceville
By: Sabine van Gameren

Barren Earth started in 2007 and got their debut out in 2010. Being a so called ‘supergroup’ made it a little harder for them to meet expectations of the audience but the release of their first album showed they were quite up for the challenge. Now the band returns with a new album called “The Devil’s Resolve”.

And this return is one that comes in well. A progressive release with the well needed aggression when at the right times, pure passion coming from deep within, flowing out of a the beasts that form Barren Earth. Transitions are quite subtle, from some calm parts you fall into pure vehemence. But if you compare this release to “Curse of The Red River” it is obvious that the progressive side of the music got a little more attention this time. Coming close to obvious names as Opeth, to get an idea of what to expect, but don’t rule out the Amorphis influences in here either. What the band brings in to make it a little refreshing are those elements like acoustic parts, some more folk influences some surprising keyboard melodies. Quite clear, if you liked the previous one, you will LOVE this one. The band expanded their sound a little and “The Devil’s Resolve” turns out to be wonderful release.

Line-up:
Olli-Pekka Laine – Bass
Marko Tarvonen – Drums
Sami Yli-Sirniö – Guitars
Janne Perttilä – Guitars
Kasper Mårtenson – Keyboards
Mikko Kotamäki – Vocals

Tracklist: 01. Passing Of The Crimson Shadows 02. The Rain Begins 03. Vintage Warlords 04. As It Is Written 05. The Dead Exiles 06. Oriental Pyre 07. White Field 08. Where All Stories End

Links:
Barren Earth Facebook