The album’s star-studded guest list is an instant attention-grabber. The opener, “Black Rock Heart,” pairs the spiritual intensity of Heilung’s Kai Uwe Faust with the ethereal presence of Chloé Trujillo, creating a blackened groove that pulsates like the heartbeat of the rainforest itself. This track sets the stage for an album that thrives on collaboration, blending genres and influences seamlessly.
“Ruling Queen” ups the aggression, driven by Arch Enemy’s Alissa White-Gluz, who delivers a commanding mix of guttural roars and soaring cleans. The song’s thunderous riffs and Kenny Andrews’ searing guitar work make it one of the album’s standout anthems. Meanwhile, “The Last Howl” is an absolute monster, featuring Obituary’s John Tardy unleashing primal death growls over Andreas Kisser’s razor-sharp riffing—a fitting tribute to Costa Rica’s endangered howler monkeys.
Yet, Army of the Trees isn’t all about unrelenting heaviness. The melancholic “No Remedy,” featuring the angelic vocals of Heilung’s Maria Franz, provides a haunting respite, while “Out of Breath” blends gothic grandeur with industrial undercurrents, thanks to Lord of the Lost and Chloé Trujillo’s hypnotic performances. These moments of dynamic contrast make the album’s message resonate even deeper.
Tracks like “Better Man” and “Never Be Up” showcase the band’s ability to shift between melodic and aggressive elements, keeping the listener engaged. The title track, “Army of the Trees,” is a climactic battle cry, featuring a powerhouse lineup from the French metal scene—including Julien Truchan (Benighted), Auré Jäger (Akiavel), and members of Loudblast, Sidilarsen, and Tagada Jones. It’s a rallying anthem, demanding action before ecosystems collapse beyond repair.
Production-wise, the album is sharp yet organic, capturing both the raw intensity of metal and the atmospheric elements that mirror the lush, untamed landscapes Savage Lands fights to protect. The balance between polished modern metal and old-school grit makes Army of the Trees feel both immediate and timeless.
Beyond the music, Savage Lands‘ mission amplifies its impact. With 100% of the album’s royalties funding conservation efforts in Costa Rica and beyond, every breakdown and blast beat carries tangible weight. Collaborations with Jane Goodall’s institute and other environmental organizations solidify the band’s dedication to real-world change, making Army of the Trees more than just an album—it’s a lifeline for the planet.
Ultimately, Army of the Trees is a rare beast: a metal album that not only crushes sonically but also serves a greater purpose. Savage Lands proves that music can be both ferocious and meaningful, reminding us that the fight for our world’s future is far from over. Raise your horns—and your voices—for the cause.
Tracklist:
1. Black Rock Heart (feat Kai Uwe Faust, Chloe Trujillo) (4:36)
2. Ruling Queen (featuring Alissa White-Gluz, Kenny Andrews) (4:31)
3. The Last Howl (featuring John Tardy, Andreas Kisser) (6:04)
4. No Remedy (featuring Maria Franz) (4:27)
5. Out of Breath (featuring Lord Of The Lost, Chloe Trujillo) (4:49)
6. Better Man (4:23)
7. Never Be Up (3:42)
8. Army of the Trees (4:26)*
9. Visions of Life (4:02)
10. Addicted (4:45)
Full runtime: 46:02
Learn more about Savage Lands: https://savagelands.org/
Donate: https://savagelands.org/donation/
Core Lineup:
Poun – Vocals
Sylvain Demercastel – Guitars
Etienne Treton – Bass
Florian Pons – Drums
Special Member:
Dirk Verbeuren (Drums on “Black Rock Heart”, “The Last Howl” and “Out of Breath)
Collaborators:
Stephane Buriez
Ardag Basmadjian
HK Nico + James at Vamacara
Guest Features:
Kai Uwe Faust – Vocals (Black Rock Heart)
Chloe Trujillo – Vocals (Black Rock Heart, Out of Breath)
Alissa White-Gluz – Vocals (Ruling Queen)
Kenneth Andrews – Guitar (Ruling Queen)
Andreas Kisser – Guitar (The Last Howl)
John Tardy – Vocals (The Last Howl)
Maria Franz – Vocals (No Remedy)
Lord Of The Lost – Vocals, Guitars (Out of Breath)
*Army of Trees features Steeven Corsini (Loco Muerte), Auré Jäger (Akiavel), David & Viber (Sidilarsen), Niko Jones (Tagada Jones), Julien Truchan (Benighted), Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast, Sinsaenum), Nils Courbaron (Bloodorn, Sirenia, DDC) and Aurelien Ouzoulias (The Beat Factory, Mörglbl).
Source: www.antiheromagazine.com
