If you haven’t heard of Savage Lands yet, I highly recommend checking them out. This band isn’t just made up of incredibly talented musicians, but behind their music lies a noble cause, one that, especially in times like these, cannot be ignored.
After witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of deforestation in Costa Rica’s rainforest, Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth’s drummer) and Sylvain Demercastel (guitarist) launched this incredible nonprofit project, “Savage Lands“, in 2022. Since then, the initiative has helped preserve approximately 100,000 square feet of forest.
So, if you love great music and care about the planet, their new album, “Army of Trees“, is a must-listen. The record features collaborations with an array of outstanding musicians from across the metal and rock scenes.
The journey begins with “Black Rock”, a powerful opener that blends rock elements with eerie yet delicate vocals. “Ruling Queen” follows, featuring Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy), who seamlessly alternates between clean singing and ferocious growls over a backdrop of heavy riffs.
“The Last Howl” starts off with a melodic intro before erupting into a raw, aggressive death metal anthem, with vocals that almost seem to echo the pain of our planet. Meanwhile, “No Remedy” and “Out of Breath” showcase the band’s effortless ability to fuse different genres into a smooth, cohesive sound.
Tracks like “Better Man“, “Never Be Up“, and others lean more toward a hard rock vibe, sprinkled with heavy elements that create a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
“Army of Trees” is a true testament to musical talent on every level. But beyond the incredible music, what makes this project even more remarkable is the noble purpose that brought all these gifted musicians together, to make a difference through art.
