Heavy Rock act Beyond This Earth released their sophomore album early this month. Portraits of The Absurd was self-released and introduced a unique approach to the stoner rock/doom metal genre.
The quintet, based in Livadia City, Greece, was formed in 2013 with a need for a heavy riffing and rock ‘n’ roll-inspired musical approach. This leads them to self-producing their music videos and touring extensively throughout. The band’s self-released debut LP Universal Fury in 2016 and gradually improved their sound to produce Portraits of the Absurd. Real and fictional facts of social experience are blended in the allegorical lyrics, combining heavy rock riffs and bluesy leads with an inimitable rhythm section.
The album was recorded at Artracks Recording Studios in Athens, Greece. The mix was undertaken by Clyde Jabra alongside Beyond This Earth, while the mastering was done by Giorgos Priniotakis. The artwork and logo were created by Kostas Pantoulas.
The release starts with “Into the Orbit”, a six-minute track that uses extensive dual harmonics to build tension and galloping rhythms, with infectious vocals that give the listener a taste of the band’s sound. Next on the list is “The Overseer,” a track that delves into Beyond this Earth’s metal side. The bass and guitar have been amplified with a crunchy sound, and the vocals are intense. Throughout the album, the band show a tendency to experiment with their sound, and they mature as they do so. The guitar work compliments the energetic buzz around the band. The album has an evolving sound, thanks to the five talented musicians who bring something fresh to the table. The mix between dual harmonics, bluesy leads, and thunderous riffs is a testament to their creativity and musical prowess.
“Of The Absurd” is an energetic hard rock song that features tasty blues riffs and intense breakdowns. The album leans towards a melodic direction, making it popular for bands looking to complete a full-length record. “The Fall of Reason” showcases haunting yet powerful melodies that leave a lasting impression. The album takes a much-deserved rest with the melancholic “Utopia” and “Gray” before the punishing rhythms of “In A Nut Cell” create a respite for the listener with philosophical lyrics that question our sanity. “The Jade Empire” is a stoner rock track with metal elements. The resonant vocals blend with heavy guitars and galloping basslines to add a dark edge to the sound.
Finally, the nine-minute “Land of the Wise” wraps things up with a progressive metal track with sonically enhanced rhythms and mesmerising riffs to hypnotise the listener.
Beyond This Earth is an unexpectedly refreshing album to end the year, showcasing the band’s unique approach of blending distorted, stoner metal with thought-provoking lyrics and fist-pumping anthems.
Rating: 8.5/10
Click below to listen to “Portraits of the Absurd”
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>BEYOND THIS EARTH
Akis Kosmidis: Lead & Backing Vocals
Vagelis Katsampekis: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Chris Adam: Rhythm Guitars
Valantis Dafkos: Bass
Paris Gatsios: Drums
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