US alchemists go big on heavily collaborative second album.
Earthside’s ambitious 2015 debut album, , was impressive in its expansive and undeniably cinematic approach to prog metal, stretching what might be expected of the genre in a similar way to the likes of Riverside hasn’t had a straightforward gestation. A plan to work with guest contributors from around the world was ambitious on paper, but teasing out intent, impact and meaning from the guts of every track has resulted in a fairly tortuous journey to reach accord on the album’s songs, sound and direction. But on this evidence, the struggle has been worth it.
