Review Summary: Earth metal.
"Let The Truth Speak" marks the highly anticipated second album from Earthside. Their take on progressive metal is truly one-of-a-kind, blending a lot of ethereal energy into their sound. This unique quality really sets them apart, creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere. This atmosphere is crafted through a myriad of ambient guitar lead lines that add a sense of space, along with drums that add to that space. Their style feels more natural compared to other bands in the progressive metal scene, with a production quality that’s vibrant and alive. You can almost picture the drums crashing like boulders tumbling down a cliff, while the ethereal ambiance feels like a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. This otherworldly essence gives the music a sense of grandeur, as if something monumental is unfolding.
The album features more vocal-driven tracks than their first release, which is a refreshing change. Most of these vocal tracks are fantastic, with very few misses. "We Who Lament" serves as a great introduction to what’s to come, showcasing vocalist Keturah’s passionate delivery. It genuinely feels like she’s pouring her heart out, perfectly channeling that organic, ethereal essence. The songs take their time, allowing each section to breathe before transitioning to the next. The flow of the tracks is reminiscent of the earth itself—calm and natural, evolving beautifully over time. If the earth could compose a song, this is what it might sound like. It perfectly captures that raw, organic and vibrant energy.
While there are several longer tracks, there are also shorter ones that help maintain the album's flow. "Pattern of Rebirth" is one of those shorter pieces and stands out as one of the more accessible tracks. It’s nice to have a few easier listens, especially since progressive music can sometimes feel a bit daunting. Here, they strike a perfect balance. Some of the longer tracks on the album really shine, but there's one that feels a bit off, and that's "The Lesser Evil." This song takes a more upbeat turn compared to the rest of the album, drawing inspiration from the jazz-funk approach of Dirty Loops. Whether you like it or not might depend on your taste, but to me, it feels like a jarring shift from the overall tone of the album. It’s definitely more danceable and less dreamy than the other tracks, which can be a bit disorienting.
On the flip side, there aren’t as many purely instrumental pieces this time, but "Watching the Earth Sink" stands out. This nearly twelve-minute track is a treat for fans of the band's earlier work. It takes its time to build a mood and really nails it. While it might lack some of the catchy hooks found in their previous instrumentals, it compensates with a powerful, ethereal quality that’s truly captivating. The interludes do a great job of breaking up the album's flow. "But What If They Were Wrong" sets a nice tone, featuring Sandbox Percussion. The use of what seems to be a tongue drum fits perfectly with the album's ethereal nature. These instruments have such a beautiful, organic sound that they’re a perfect addition. Then there's "Denial's Aria," which feels like an interlude but also stands on its own. Keturah returns with another stunning performance that might even surpass her last one. This track is packed with soul and passion, delivering a spine-tingling experience. You can really feel the conviction in her voice.
The title track of "Let The Truth Speak" wraps things up nicely when it comes to the vocal performances. Featuring Daniel Tompkins from Tesseract, you know it’s going to be impressive, and it truly is. Tompkins brings that soulful energy that fans will expect. The song finishes on a high note, showcasing songwriting that flows seamlessly without feeling cluttered. Everything has its space, allowing the music to breathe naturally. "Let The Truth Speak" by Earthside meets the high expectations set by their debut album. Its ethereal quality and organic songwriting style are incredibly captivating. Sure, it could have used a few more grand, epic instrumental tracks, but that’s not a huge issue. The impassioned vocal performances do more than enough to maintain vast intrigue. There’s just one song that feels a bit out of place, but even that isn’t bad; it’s more about personal taste.
