EP REVIEW: The Dying Pines – Huntsmen
Americana metal group HUNTSMEN have just released their brand new EP The Dying Pines and it is an interesting mix of genres. Two years on from the release of their album Mandala Of Fear, the group have emerged from the shadows with this new offering, comprising just three tracks – two original compositions and a cover of CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG‘s Carry On.
COVID-19 gave the band a hiatus from regular activity and saw them return to their roots, writing on an acoustic guitar and leaning into the narrative storytelling that can be found on their debut album American Scrap. Their collaborative approach to song-writing has allowed them to blend strengths of each individual member, as well as giving the space needed for them to weave the threads of their own personal stories. There is extremely rich instrumentation throughout, and the warm vocal harmonies convey the bleak themes within the lyrics. Though this EP has elements of their debut album, it has proven a welcome change from some of their previously released music.
Though it may comprise just a short three songs, The Dying Pines is an extremely impressive release from HUNTSMEN. What it may lack in length, it certainly makes up for in quality. It opens with the title track and eases us in with a bluesy acoustic guitar lick that is complimented perfectly by Aimee Bueno’s smooth vocals. The second and longest track is a complete removal from this gentle and comforting atmosphere. We are immediately assaulted by distorted guitars and progressive drumbeats from Chris Kang and Kirill Orlov and Ray Knipe respectively. Marc Stranger-Najjar‘s sliding bass line throughout ties the entire thing together and turns it into a haunting, heavy track that is reminiscent of bands like AUDIOSLAVE. It almost doesn’t belong on this EP, and it wouldn’t if it weren’t for the three-part harmony in the chorus – this is the only characteristic of classic Americana music that we know and love.
The third and final track is that Carry On cover. It is extremely satisfying to hear their take on a classic and to hear it be given a whole new lease of life. It is completely reinvigorated toward the end by a wailing guitar solo and the addition of the rest of the band. It may be a much slower and darker version of the original upbeat track but it’s one of the better covers to come out of the last few years and is the stand-out track of the three on this EP. It’s a fitting example to show other bands what they should be doing with their own cover versions.
Though The Dying Pines may only be three short tracks, it is a perfect example of quality over quantity. The band are able to maintain their previous style, all while giving it a fresh lease on life. It is a true reminder that this band’s heart still beats strong and gives us a small taste of what is yet to come.
Rating: 7/10
The Dying Pines is out now via Prosthetic Records.
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