EARTH „The Bee Made Honey in the Lion's Skull”

Music: Drone/Doom
Country: USA
Web site: http://www.thronesanddominions.com
Cool Songs: Engine of Ruin, Hung from the Moon

EARTH is an important early band for the artsy side of doom metal, in particular the drone style. The group’s first albums released in the early 90s were highly influential on popular drone acts of today such as SUNN O))) and KHANATE. If it were not for EARTH, those bands would not exist neither would Earth’s current label, Southern Lord. The MELVINS most likely inspired the formation of EARTH, considering the noisy doom style on their earliest records and geographic closeness. Joe Preston was an early addition to the band. Many may associate his name with The MELVINS, a group that recruited him into their ranks. Deceased rock legend, Kurt Cobain of NIRVANA even participated on a couple initial recordings.

After nearly twenty years, many lineup and stylistic changes, the Olympia, Washington band returns with “The Bee Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull.” Much like their last studio recording, “Hex: or Printing in the Infernal Method,” EARTH has gone a different direction from the raucous, distorted guitar that defined their early sound. Although there are still plenty of lethargic, doomy grooves on “The Bee Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull,” EARTH no longer relies on the guitar as the music’s driving force. This instrumental recording paints a picture of the group dreamily walking through poppy fields. To get an idea of what EARTH is doing here, just imagine SANTANA and THE GRATEFUL DEAD jamming with KING CRIMSON in a modern day setting.

The SANTANA and GRATEFUL DEAD comparison is partly due to the guitar work of session’s member Bill Frisell. Grammy-winning Frisell’s virtuoso guitar talents add an extra layer to three of the seven downtrodden compositions. On “Engine of Ruin,” Frisell counters the low frequencies with howling, high notes. The twangy notes that ring throughout this track recall a 70s cowboy-themed skin flick. Due to the subdued jazz, old country and blues quality inherit during the duration of the album; The Bee Made Honey…has much in common with movie scores. Steve Harvey’s Hammond organ applied to the dark, waddling pace of “Hung from the Moon” is akin to Anton LaVey’s interpretation of the theme to “Midnight Cowboy.”

By all accounts, “The Bee Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull” is a mood album. Listeners must be in the proper mood and setting to appreciate what Earth is doing. It isn’t the type of album you spring upon your friends that have no education beyond PANTERA and SLIPNOT. Verdant herbal encouragement may be just the right remedy to bring you down to EARTH’s level. It would also cultivate a deeper understanding of the psychedelic intricacies. Still, this album is not for everyone. The repetitious nature of each track, the sluggish tempo, the overtly lengthiness of song and the style in itself will prove hard for many to swallow.

note: 5/10

Tracklist

1. Omens And Portents I: The Driver
2. Rise To Glory
3. Miami Morning Coming Down II (Shine)
4. Engine Of Ruin
5. Omens And Portents II: Carrion Crow
6. Hung From The Moon
7. The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull
Total playing time 53:25

Line-up

Dylan Carlson – Guitars
Adrienne Davies – drums
Steve Moore – trombone & wurlitzer
Don McGreevy – bass