Earth Altar/Sun Below
Inter Terra Solis
(Black Throne Productions)
3.5/5
Inter Terra Solis is a split record between metal bands Earth Altar and Sun Below, who boast a very similar sound to each other, reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Tool.
Often, metal bands can blend together through an over-reliance on volume and distortion, with incomprehensible vocal tracks. In contrast, many songs on this album have immediately memorable guitar riffs that focus more on visceral emotive style than eardrum-bursting thrash, and the result is a quite remarkable release.
Most of the tracks don’t even have vocals, although this is a double-edged sword. Without lyrics, the impact must be carried solely by innovative instrumental work, and this album commits the sin of having songs that are sometimes longer than necessary, relying on ad nauseam repetition of looping riffs and sequences that far outstay their welcome.
As a whole, however, Inter Terra Solis is an invigorating example of metal music with heart and soul.