THE QUILL – Earthrise

9/10

THE QUILL - Earthrise - 9/10

9/10

Summary

Metalville Records
Release date: March 26, 2021

[spoiler title=’Metal Express Radio – Ratings Scale’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]

10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.

[/spoiler]

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The Backstory

The Quill is a rock institution in Sweden. The group released their self-titled debut back in 1995 and haven’t looked back since. 2021 sees the release of The Quill’s ninth studio Earthrise.

[Watch our Christian Carlsson interview HERE]

The Album

“Hallucinate” is the perfect opening song as it’s not too slow, nor too fast. The smooth driving riffs and steady beat ease you into the rest of the album. “Keep On Moving” kicks up the tempo and will have you tapping your foot and bobbing your head in unison. Vocalist Martin Kusyn keeps things melodic with just enough grittiness and soul. The chorus is simple yet catchy. “Dwarf Planet” starts with clean guitars and soft vocals, but swiftly changes to meaty riffs and forceful vocals. Kusyn shines in the segments where the band drops out, while the band shines during their groove-laden jam session.

Chugga-chugga riffs head the charge on the album’s title track “Earthrise.” Drummer Jolle Atlagic pounds away while the rest of The Quill follows during the chorus section. Christian Carlsson fires off some blazing solo segments during the break. Clocking in a 9+ minutes, “Evil Omen” is a dark epic tale that runs through various tempos and emotions. “Dead River” shows just how versatile The Quill can be as they unplug their guitars in favor of acoustic. There is still some subdued fuzz thrown in for good measure.

The Verdict

From the grooves, to the dark riffs, to the soulfully haunting vocals; Earthrise is a Stoner Rock / Psychedelica fan’s wet dream.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) / 1 am & 1pm (EST) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

Tracklist

Hallucinate
Keep on Moving
Dwarf Planet
Left Brain Blues
Earthrise
Evil Omen
21st Century Sky
The Zone
Dead River

The Quill is

Magnus Ekwall – Vocals
Christian Carlsson – Guitar
Roger Nilsson – Bass
Jolle Atlagic – Drums

Author

George Dionne

George was a contributor here at Metal Express Radio, reviewing albums and conducting interviews, out of Massachusetts, USA. George has contributed to numerous music related websites and blogs, and even managed his own from 2004-2009. George's first assignment was covering a live show by the mighty GWAR. By contrast his later assignments featured Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi. George was also the front man for the South Eastern Massachusetts cover band Sound Tower from 2009-2015. Sound Tower played 300+ shows across MA and had two original songs on the Cape Cod radio station PIXY 103. George enjoys a good whiskey, scotch, and/or bourbon and fights crime in his spare time.
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