The acclaimed French progressive rock-metal band The Old Dead Tree had been inactive for a while. Their comeback was in 2023, and last year they released the CD “Second Thoughts”. This spring, they recorded the EP “London Sessions” at Abbey Road Studios. Manuel Munoz’s versatile vocals and the band’s unique blend of musical styles give them their own distinctive sound. The four songs open surprisingly calmly. They are well constructed, containing plenty of twists and turns in tempo, volume and style. The changes are sometimes sudden, at other times gradual. In both the calm and heavier parts, the layers of bass and guitar are very well distributed, as are the drums.
The (layered) vocals are sometimes subdued, occasionally with a slight echo. At other times, Manuel’s voice has a rough edge, but his singing is always in harmony with the music. This is particularly evident in the last track, which also fades out beautifully on the (bass)guitar. Because the metal is not excessive, “London Sessions” is suitable for a wide audience.
(9/10) (Season of Mist)
Tracklist:
1 – Feel Alive Again – (03:43)
2 – Time Has Come – (03:49)
(London Sessions 2025)
3 – By The Way – (04:29)
4 – What Else Could We’ve Said – (05:39)
Line-up:
Manuel Munoz: Vocals
Nicolas Chevrollier: Guitars & Backing Vocals
Nicolas Cornolo: Guitars
Gilles Moinet: Bass Guitar
Raphaël Antheaume: Drums
Guest Musician:
Raphaël Verguin (Psygnosis): Cello