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They ain’t my brothers, they’re Heavy
Black Earth (Independent)
What are the first couple of things that come to mind when you think of Indiana? Corn fields? The only state that 98% of never changes its clocks? John Mellencamp or James Dean? For you metalheads, there’s one more connection: Out of Ellettsville and the Necronomicon comes Black Earth. Having contributed music to at least eight internationally-released tribute albums released by Los Angeles-based Dwell Records, Black Earth now has its own eponymous EP. Aside from Dale Christie’s venomous (and smooth when it’s called for) vocals and Brian Tonne’s drummerstorm, Travis Crider, Craig Savage and Duane Conn play not so much guitars and bass as battering rams with strings. I don’t know enough about the metal genre to make comparisons to other bands, but if you can imagine a Mack truck melodically grinding its gears, that might give you a basic idea of the Black Earth sound. Some of the guitar work in “Down” sounds like sawing concrete with an electric handsaw in abrupt, rhythmic motions. “It’s the Night” is a blues-based rock engine with a heavy metal body and sure to be a live crowd pleaser. To get in on the crunch, visit www.blackearth1.com and invite Black Earth to play at your neighborhood club. These guys are dedicated and really good at what they do. They need a full-length CD and could be an asset to the Louisville metal scene.
David Lilly
www.nefariousmag.com
Black Earth
I have had the opportunity to hear a number of bands from Indiana. With out a doubt Black Earth is the one to take notice of for a number of reasons. First, they have a great sound, and if talent and drive are all it takes to make it in the music business then Black Earth will definitely make it. As I listened to each download, you can clearly hear the great metal bands of the past fused with the vibrancy of the sound of today. The vocals draw you in and the music holds you steady through the musical journey that is Black Earth. This is a band that is worth your time and money, so listen, buy and support Black Earth.
By Ellie Timms for "International Longhairs United"
Click Skull to read
Ellie Timms interview with Travis.
Ear to the ground: Listening to Black Earth
By Rachael Van Dyke
Like my last article read, I am going to introduce to you some new/old, metal/rock bands for the month of February. For this week, I have a band from Indiana that I think you people should really check into, a band by the name of Black Earth. But first, I have to thank the chick that emailed me and told me to check out this band, because they definitely deserve some recognition. Black Earth is a metal/hard-core band from Bloomington, IN, whose influences seem to seep through the music they deliver, but they are not total replicas or a complete echo of the bands they are influenced by. Which is a good and sometimes ‘not normal’ thing. Sometimes I hear new music, then I read articles about the bands I hear and they say something like, “Yeah, we’re totally into Incubus and stuff,” then I think to myself how they sound EXACTLY like the bands they are influenced by and it is such a humiliating disappointment. You know, like, record label people just throw to you a cheap version of a well-known band and expect you to like them or appreciate the music they create. I don’t think so. Black Earth is an exception. Forming in 1999, Black Earth made eight tribute CD’s for LA based Dwell Records, making tributes to bands such as W.A.S.P., Queensryche, Suicidal Tendencies, Twisted Sister, Dio, Scorpions, Pantera & Saxon. Black Earth took their diversity to a whole new level; to bring back the attitude of’ 70s and ’80s hard rock/metal and add an ingredient of today’s nu metal, making their music unique in these times of music madness. Black Earth is Dale Christie (vocals), Duane Conn (bass), Travis Crider (guitar), Brian Tonne (drums) and Craig Savage (guitar). Their old school heavy metal sound is something quite pleasing to the listener’s ears. Especially if you’re in to the old school metal, which is how today’s bands are even possible. Black Earth’s music makes me comfortable enough to listen to while banging my head in the air. Their demo is also becoming a favorite to my car stereo. The first song I had heard off of Black Earth’s demo CD was the heavy, dark tune Down, which is probably my favorite song on this brilliant slice of solid old school metal. After hearing that song, I wanted more, so I sent in a request for their demo CD. Other songs on Black Earth's demo like Livin’ in Hell, Together We Stay and It’s the Night contain heavy guitar riffs and intense solos, good bass lines and drum beats and excellent old-school metal-style vocals. The songs definitely stand out from a lot of today’s music. Black Earth has uniqueness and music taste that any record label would want. I'm surprised a major label hasn't signed this band faster than a person would sign the ‘sign out’ sheet at jail to reclaim his freedom. So if you’re ever on the net, visit Black Earth’s official site at http://www.blackearth1.com to download music, look at pictures, read reviews or request a demo CD. If you’re into 80’s metal, you’ll totally dig this band. So check them out. Also, I emailed them some clubs names around our area so check the website for future tour dates. Black Earth; remember their name and keep your eye open for them in the near future. I'm thinking of a future Ozzfest appearance, maybe? Questions? Comments? Email me at: Armed_With_Otep@burninthepit.com
"Black Earth" would
like to thank Rachael for her killer review of the band.
Check out her tribute page to the band OTEP at www.burninthepit.com
Black Earth E.P.
Black Earth is a dark metal Van Halen with a lead vocal that reminds me of Alice fucking Cooper. Dale Christie should take that as a fucking compliment from MusicIncider. His vocal style varies, but he keeps the Cooper edge. His fucking voice is ass kicking. It beats the shit out of you. It makes you wonder what he is going to do next vocally. He is a fucking strong front man. The drum performance reminds me of Lars Ulrich of Metallica. Brian Tonne's drums and Duane Conn's bass are like two perfectly entwined trees rooted together into one fucking power source. Savage and Crider on guitar remind me of Randy Rhoades and Ted Nugent with a little George Thorogood tossed in for good measure. Those two guitars are like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a fantastic fucking mix. I would listen to their music. I would buy their cd. A label has to pick them up soon before they get lost in the wind. If I was to pick anybody for them to open for, it would be Alice Cooper. Let's see if Sharon Osbourne can pick them up, and how fast.
Barbara Fara
Editor-In-Chief, MusicIncider Magazine
Click Skull to read
Barbara Fara's interview with Travis.
Black Earth - "Black Earth"
Nothing like some hardcore metal to get you up in the morning
and that's exactly what Black Earth gives you! This four song EP has sounds and
tones reminiscent of Alice and Chains, Maiden with maybe even some Dio in there.
I can say that I truly dig the vocals because they sound too much like Dee Snider
to me. Kind of a personal preference thing, I suppose. Travis has good guitar
tone throughout the EP. Anyone who enjoys this breed of music should go out and
get a copy of this EP and check these local boys out, so that you can judge for
yourself. Not bad.
Black Earth - Self Release "If musicology tests existed in the Heavy Metal genre and
if one had to find the exact middle in-between Xentrix and Testament, the answer
would be Black Earth. Dale Christie's voice accounts for this a great deal,
but it should be said that the music isn't entirely clean for that matter either...With
this said, our four musicians from Indiana have their own way to develop melodies
starting from a simple guiding line, as proven by the superb 'Together We Stay,'
which demonstrates great sensibility on the level of writing and interpretation.
On the whole, the sound is a bit coarse (very crude bass drum, slightly flat
general sound...), but we shouldn't forget that this is only a demo. And regardless
of all that, you can tell that these gents are crammed with talent! That's what
counts. I really appreciate the confidence with which they spin their nice and
slow Black Sabbath-like grooves. Although most metal bands focus on speed, these
guys lean on their instruments and shred riffs as if they were quietly grating
some cheese on their strings. Even if you're not a fan of dairy products, you'll
definitely like the music..." Black Earth - Self Release Black Earth is most known for their contributions to some
of Dwell Records tribute albums. They’ve done songs for the Pantera, Suicidal
Tendencies, Saxon, W.A.S.P (to name a few) tributes. That’s a hell of a record
to have under your belt. But is their original stuff good? Yes and no. It’s
weird, it’s as if Metal Church, W.A.S.P., Testament (The Ritual era), Twisted
Sister, Great White, and Alice in Chains got together and created a band. These
guys aren’t out dated by any means, but they do have that old school rock/metal
feel to them. It’s as if they grew up in the 90’s, but listened to their older
sister’s record collection. The production could use a little work, but they
are a great band, and hopefully this four-song demo will get them somewhere.
I do look forward to what they have in store for the future. www.blackearth1.com
- Rod Brown Rod Brown, Throat
Culture Magazine Issue 6 Summer 2002 Black Earth-(U.S.) 4-song demo 2001 I've been trying so hard to get some original material from
this band since all I heard were alot of cover songs for the Dwell Records tribute
series including some artists like Twisted Sister, Pantera, Saxon, Scorpions
and W.A.S.P. to name a few since there's quite a bit more that were released
by the label. Black Earth is based in Indiana, a state not tremendously known
for bands but a neighbor to the emphatic Illinois scene of Prog-Power bands!
This 4-song sampler is one hell of a ride for what lies ahead for the band,
the fans and most importantly, new listeners that know what "true roots" are
and Black Earth stress that in every song without sounding like an individual
band. If you like guitar solos with balls, Black Earth take that seriously as
well. The band can deliver anything from the genre of Giuffria and W.A.S.P.
to bands like Trouble, Wicked Maraya (now Maraya), Testament and Metal Church
with vocals in the Whitfield Crane, early Chuck Billy and David Wayne styles.
Now, since I got to hear some originals, I leave you with a final comment to
keep your eye on this band; once their debut effort is released, I am very confident
a buzz will be created and labels will be contacting these guys within the year--I
am that positive about the band's capability and music delivery! Wayne
Klinger, QUINTESSENCE 2000 Webzine BLACK EARTH - 4 Song Demo (self released) Those who keep up with the neverending slew of tributes
from Dwell Records are most likely familier with this U.S. band who now include
on their menu four original and unique songs. The essential ingredients consist
of old school Heavy Metal (TWISTED SISTER, W.A.S.P.) seasoned with a dash of
early nineties (ALICE IN CHAINS), a bit of Doom / Stoner (CATHEDRAL, SLEEP)
and topped off with a 70´s style groove garnish. The melodies and weighty riffing
are addictive whilst the music creeps inside and makes it impossible to keep
still from start to finish. The vocalist reminds me a lot of early nineties
style TESTAMENT. Unfortunately the demo suffers from not so great production
but that aside these guys are cooking up something really hot and tasty. Visit
www.blackearth1.com for more info. Cheryl, MetalGospel.com
online webzine Pantera Tribute CD featuring Black Earth I love Pantera and I always thought it would be cool to
hear other band's interpretations of their songs. Naturally, when this CD came
out I rushed out and bought it. I've since listened to the CD about 10 times
or so before writing this. (I don't think it's fair that most people listen
to a CD once then come on here and review it right away.) Let me first say that
most of the songs on this album sound like they were recorded by the different
bands using the exact same equipment in the studio, so if you're looking for
variety, there really isn't that much on here. Anyways, to make a long story
short, I love the guitars and hearing the different interpretations, but some
of these guys couldn't even carry a tune in a bucket! lol! The best tracks have
to be, ENERTIA - Cowboys From Hell", TERMINAL PLAN - "Mouth For War", BLACK
EARTH - 'I'm Broken" and HOSTILE INTENT’S - "Message In Blood". I think Pantera
deserves a tribute, they are a great band, it woulda just been nice to see some
more talented bands make that tribute. Amazon.com customer review W.A.S.P. Tribute featuring Black Earth When I first heard this album was being released I was very
excited. Needless to say when I purchased it I was a little disappointed. It
was very cool to have in my hand a tribute to my favorite band but when I spun
it I found that most of the songs were bare discernable as the W.A.S.P. tunes
I knew and loved. There were a couple of descent track that I thought made it
worth owning the disc. Black Earths rendition of "Wild Child" is a very good
cover, along with Mystifier's version of "The Torture Never Stops". But as far
as the rest of the disc goes, if you are a W.A.S.P. fan and you like the "Death
Metal", "Cookie Monster" type vocals, you will love this album. But if you are
more like I am and stick to the traditional "mild growl" vocal like Blackie
Lawless you probably wont. Either way it is a CD worth having a place in your
W.A.S.P. collection. Amazon.com customer review Black Earth (2001, EP)
If you have a hankering for the late seventies / early eightiest
right before glam hit the stage, you may find lots to love with this band. The
group hits the listener with a strong groove and simple songs. The vocalist sounds
a little like Chuck Billy from Testament (all midrange, no high pitched stuff),
the rest of the band think motorhead on steroids. None of the music goes too fast,
the band chooses the midground and definately puts a lot of soul into what they
do. Production wise, the release is a little bottom heavy, but it's still clear
(ie, not bottom heavy and muffled, which is a nono). If you're into say the new
Soil CD, or grew up in the late seventies, you may enjoy this EP. Good quality
stuff.
BLACK EARTH: S/T-CD 4 TRX
This band's name may look familiar to those of you who own a
few of the tribute albums put out by Dwell. They've done a few of them and this,
I believe, is their debut release and for a demo disc it's really not that bad.
It's hard to label them anything other than Metal because they do have a different
feel for each of the songs on this disc and they're all done very well, that I
can say. So if you like the heavier side of traditional metal without the high
pitched vocals usually found in these bands, Black Earth may be what you're looking
for.
Midwest
Metal Magazine - March 2002 BLACK EARTH/Same
Some decent heavy metal here. Sort of like Alice in Chains in
spots, but more in tune with their older stuff, which was killer in my book. Great
vocals from this singer as they fit the music quite well. This is a solid 4 song
metal affair that gets the job done and gets it done well.
BLACK EARTH - 4 songs CDR
Modern metal without the annoying repetitious tough guy crap.
They've got the nu sound with fat, heavy grooves, but there are also some cool
riffs and solos. Definitely a healthy 80's influence here. Sometimes the music
has like a SLEEP, ACRIMONY, CATHEDRAL feel but they're not a doom band. The vocals
remind me of VINCE NEIL and DEE SNIDER only a little more aggressive. This band
should have label support if there's any justice in the world.
Dio Tribute CD featuring Black Earth I'll get straight to the point. I'm a big time Dio fan.
If you are also, buy this CD. The best tracks on here are Black Earth's "King
Of Rock And Roll", Seven Witches "Shame On The Night", Opposite Earth's "Caught
In The Middle", Ion Vein's 'Dont Talk To Strangers", and Inertia's "Invisible".
These tracks are wonderfully re-done. Imagika's "Evil Eyes" and Tyrant's version
of "Holy Diver" deserve mentioning also. There are a few songs that I thought
were horrible, such as Division's versions of "Heaven And Hell" and "Rainbow
In The Dark". They played both tracks WAY too fast and the singer needs a little
(ok-a lotta) work. The other song that REALLY disapointed me was Aurora Borealis'
rendition of "We Rock". Me thinks they should replace the "R-O" in "rock" with
an "S-U". Not even a singer here, just some idiot pretending he's satan, screaming
in some kind of low tone devil gibberish (grow up!). Psycho Dream, Dofka, Steel
Prophet do Dio justice. Over all a great CD, however only 4 stars due to two
sorry bands... Amazon.com customer review Dio Tribute CD featuring Black Earth This is a cd that Dio fans have to check out. The bands are
extremely talented. Black Earth rocks. It's a tribute cd that actually does
Dio justice. Amazon.com customer review
