Earthists.’ LIFEBINDER

The Tokyo 5 piece’s second album proves they are a force to be reckoned with!

Label:

• Tragic Hero Records

Release Date:

• 15th of August 2018

Band Members:

• Yui - Vocals
• Yuta - Guitar
• Yuto - Guitar
• Shugo - Bass
• Yuya - Drums

Genre:

• Naturecore

Yes that’s right, with Earthists. I’m returning to the Japanese Metal thread I started with Crossfaith a few months ago. I discovered their second album, LIFEBINDER, like I usually do these days on Spotify and immediately fell in love with their noise.

​They’ve taken the traditional Metalcore sound and turned it on its head with their technical guitar work, a groove-driven rhythm section, emotional singing, jazzy piano and more than a hint of a Prog Rock vibe according to the the band. I can hear it and it adds great depth to an already awesome release.

LIFEBINDER, which is 11 tracks of the band’s soul out on display, flows amazingly well, so much so that from start to finish you will get swept up into the music and loose yourself.

Many a time on the way to my 8-5 job this week, I’ve been sucked in so much that when the album comes to a close, I find myself out the front of my work wondering where the hell the last 40 odd minutes have gone. It's rare to find an LP to do that, and when you do, you normally need to be in the right 'frame of mind', but not with LIFEBINDER. 

Once again, there are no notable or ‘top tracks’ this week as LIFEBINDER as a whole ticks all the boxes and needs to be heard in a full play-through to be truly appreciated.  

I need to add that Earthists. have gained a reputation as one of the best ‘go to’ metal support acts in Japan, and while I salute and have a lot of respect for them for this achievement, I just hope it doesn’t last too long and they can tour on their own ten feet as they are that talented and deserving of top billing.

If a visit to the UK is on their cards, expect Mags and I to be there, and if not, perhaps a trip to the Land Of The Rising Run is warranted. 
​

9/10

Written by Dan.
​

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I've chosen 'DOGMA' as I love this video, it's haunting and beautiful at the same time and works with the track perfectly.

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