Barren Earth

{{Short description|Finnish progressive death metal band}} {{BLP sources|date=January 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Barren Earth | image = | caption = | alt = | image_size = | alias = | origin = Helsinki, Finland | genre = Progressive death metal, melodic death metal, doom metal | years_active = 2007–present | label = Peaceville Records | associated_acts = Swallow the Sun, Moonsorrow, Amorphis, Kreator, Hamferð, Rytmihäiriö | website = {{URL|barrenearth.com}} | current_members = Sami Yli-Sirniö Janne Perttilä Olli-Pekka Laine Marko Tarvonen Jón Aldará Antti Myllynen | past_members = Kasper Mårtenson Mikko Kotamäki }}

'''Barren Earth''' is a Finnish progressive death metal band from Helsinki, formed in 2007. Their music is said to be a combination of death metal, progressive rock, and folk music, pulling influence from the different groups each member is associated with. Since their formation, the band has released one EP and four full-length albums.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://api.discogs.com/artists/1635126|title=Barren Earth|publisher=Discogs|language=en|access-date=2019-01-03}}</ref>

== History ==

=== ''Our Twilight'' and ''Curse of the Red River'' (2009 onwards) ===

In November 2009, the EP ''Our Twilight'' was issued, and included four songs. Shortly after the EP had been issued, Barren Earth performed its first gig, in the club Dante's Highlight in Helsinki. However, as the LP was set for release in March 2010, most of the festivals had already booked bands for the summer 2010. Barren Earth had a gig on Tuska Open Air Metal Festival, though.

In February 2011, the band played a five-week tour in North America under the name "Finnish Metal Tour 2011", alongside other Finnish bands including Finntroll, Ensiferum and Rotten Sound, gathering support for their album that would officially be released around two months later.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barrenearth.com/diary/finnish-metal-tour-2011---parts-1-8 |title=Finnish Metal Tour 2011 – Parts 1-8 |publisher=Barren Earth |accessdate=4 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927084253/http://www.barrenearth.com/diary/finnish-metal-tour-2011---parts-1-8 |archive-date=27 September 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 31 March 2010, the band issued their debut album, ''Curse of the Red River''. One of its nine songs was the title song of the previous EP, "Our Twilight". The album received very positive reviews. The band went on to receive the title of "Newcomer of the year" in 2011 at the Finnish Metal Awards, and "Best debut album" at the Metal Storm Awards 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barrenearth.com/news/22/68/Barren-Earth-commence-second-album-recording |title=News Archive |publisher=Barren Earth |date=31 May 2011 |accessdate=4 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331121055/http://www.barrenearth.com/news/22/68/Barren-Earth-commence-second-album-recording |archive-date=31 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== ''The Devil's Resolve'' (2012) ===

On various websites dedicated to metal bands, it was told that the band's second album, ''The Devil's Resolve'', containing nine songs, was due to be released in November 2011, once again by Peaceville Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metal-archives.com/release/view/id/319840 |title=Barren Earth – The Devil's Resolve |publisher = Encyclopaedia Metallum – The Metal Archives|date= 19 October 2011 |accessdate= 4 November 2011}}</ref> ''The Devil's Resolve'' is said to contain even more 1970s progressive influences while keeping the brutality associated with the band. On their website, the band stated that, originally, twelve songs were written.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barrenearth.com/news/22/70/Barren-Earth-commence-second-album-recording |title=What's Up? |publisher=Barren Earth |date=31 May 2011 |accessdate=4 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115010923/http://www.barrenearth.com/news/22/70/Barren-Earth-commence-second-album-recording |archive-date=15 November 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, on the band's Facebook page the band told that because of delays in the production process the second album would not take place until February/March 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/BarrenEarth?sk=wall&filter=12 |title=Facebook |publisher=Barren Earth |date= 10 November 2011 |accessdate= 9 December 2011}}</ref> On 29 February 2012, the band released the video ''"The Rains Begin"'' from their upcoming album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalcallout.com/metal-music-videos/new-video-barren-earth-the-rains-begin.html |title=Barren Earth – The Rains Begin |publisher=MetalCallOut.com |date= 29 February 2012 |accessdate= 29 February 2012}}</ref>

=== ''On Lonely Towers'' (2015) ===

Barren Earth revealed on 28 January 2015 that their new album ''On Lonely Towers'' will be released on 24 March 2015 by Century Media Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalcallout.com/music/barren-earth-new-album-details-new-song.html |title=Barren Earth New Album Details |publisher=MetalCallOut.com |date= 28 January 2015 |accessdate= 28 January 2015}}</ref> In 2014 the Faroese singer Jón Aldará joined the band as the new lead vocalist.<ref name="Blabbermouth.net 2014">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/barren-earth-announces-new-singer/|title=BARREN EARTH Announces New Singer|date=7 January 2014|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=30 January 2015}}</ref> He is also known from the Faroese metal band Hamferð and Iotunn.<ref name="About Jón Aldará – Aktuelt.fo">{{cite web|url=http://aktuelt.fo/nyggjur+tungur+finskur+rokkur+vid+foroyskum+sangara.html|title=Nýggjur tungur finskur rokkur við føroyskum sangara|last=Samuelsen|first=Ingi|date=29 January 2015|publisher=Aktuelt.fo|language=Faroese|accessdate=30 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221195124/http://aktuelt.fo/nyggjur+tungur+finskur+rokkur+vid+foroyskum+sangara.html|archive-date=21 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== ''A Complex of Cages'' (2018) ===

Barren Earth's fourth album ''A Complex of Cages'' was released just before the Easter 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nordicmetal.net/barren-earth-release-new-album-a-complex-of-cages/|title=Barren Earth Release New Album 'A Complex of Cages'|last=Maniax|first=Slayanys|date=2018-04-01|website=Nordic Metal|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-03|archive-date=28 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728190835/https://www.nordicmetal.net/barren-earth-release-new-album-a-complex-of-cages/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The band and their audience celebrated the new album on Good Friday evening in a record releasing gig at Kuudes Linja club in Helsinki, supported by a local metal group Oceanhoarse.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nordicmetal.net/barren-earth-oceanhoarse-kuudes-linja-helsinki-30-3-2018/|title=BARREN EARTH & OCEANHOARSE – Kuudes Linja, Helsinki, March 30, 2018|last=steelrain|date=2018-04-04|website=Nordic Metal|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-03}}</ref> This album is the second with Jón Aldará as a frontman, but his first in which he contributes more than just vocals. Almost all the lyrics on the record are contributed by Jón Aldará ("Solitude Pith" being the exception with lyrics by Laine). The man is responsible mostly of the melodies, as well.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://progressivemusicplanet.com/2018/03/28/barren-earth-a-complex-of-cages/|title=Barren Earth – "A Complex of Cages"|last=Rob|date=2018-03-28|website=Progressive Music Planet|language=en|access-date=2019-01-03}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last1=Aldará|first1=Jón|title=A complex of cages|date=2018|url=https://haku.helmet.fi:443/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2348773?lang=eng|others=Barren Earth|publisher=Century Media Records|access-date=2019-01-03|last2=Aldará|first2=Jón|last3=Yli-Sirniö|first3=Sami|last4=Yli-Sirniö|first4=Sami|last5=Perttilä|first5=Janne|last6=Perttilä|first6=Janne|last7=Myllynen|first7=Antti|last8=Laine|first8=Olli-Pekka|last9=Laine|first9=Olli-Pekka}}</ref> According to Olli-Pekka Laine Aldará was given freedom to write the lyrics, and they will not be discussed at all amongst the bandmembers. ''"As long as our songs are not telling about slaughtering the whale, anything will be fine by me"'', Laine says. "Solitude Pith", written by Laine, was already done before Aldará begun his lyrical working. It seems that song gave him some ideas, and then that theme emerged into penetrating theme for the whole album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.inferno.fi/uutiset/kun-ei-itse-ole-enaa-niin-melankolinen-mieleltaan-kuin-teinina-tallainen-synkistely-saattaa-tuntua-vahan-naurettavalta-haastattelussa-barren-earth/|title="Kun ei itse ole enää niin melankolinen mieleltään kuin teininä, tällainen synkistely saattaa tuntua vähän naurettavalta" – haastattelussa Barren Earth|website=Inferno.fi|date=30 June 2018 |language=fi|access-date=2019-01-03}}</ref> Aldará writes about people isolating, and suffering from different mental issues such as manic depression, psychopathy and agoraphobia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/barren-earth-feat-kreator-guitarist-sami-yli-sirnio-a-complex-of-cages-album-due-in-march/|title=BARREN EARTH Feat. KREATOR Guitarist SAMI YLI-SIRNIÖ: 'A Complex of Cages' Album Due in March|last=Blabbermouth|date=2018-02-09|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-03}}</ref>

''A Complex of Cages'' is also the first Barren Earth record made with absence of keyboardist Kasper Mårtenson,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.centurymedia.com/artist.aspx?IdArtist=818|title=Century Media Records – Barren Earth|website=centurymedia.com|access-date=2019-01-03|archive-date=28 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728160808/http://www.centurymedia.com/artist.aspx?IdArtist=818|url-status=dead}}</ref> who is occupied with Turisas as their live keyboardist. He was succeeded by Antti Myllynen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/reviews/cd_3/b_2/barren-earth-a.htm|title=Metal-Temple.com :: Barren Earth – A Complex of Cages (CD Review)|last=MetalDaveCampbell|website=metal-temple.com|language=EN|access-date=2019-01-03|archive-date=28 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728160755/http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/reviews/cd_3/b_2/barren-earth-a.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The line-up change of Mårtenson leaving impacted the band's compositions, since he had been writing about a half of the material whereas Olli-Pekka Laine has been the mastermind behind the other half.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://progressivemusicplanet.com/2018/03/28/barren-earth-a-complex-of-cages/|title=Barren Earth – "A Complex of Cages"|last=Progressive Music Planet|date=2018-03-28|website=Progressive Music Planet|language=en|access-date=2019-01-03}}</ref> While Laine is still the man behind most of the composing, the other members Sami Yli-Sirniö, Janne Perttilä and Marko Tarvonen now also contribute.<ref>{{Citation|last1=Aldará|first1=Jón|title=A complex of cages|date=2018|url=https://haku.helmet.fi/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2348773;jsessionid=DD71E217CD8FC3853012347F0ADC8EF4?lang=fin|others=Barren Earth|publisher=Century Media Records|access-date=2019-01-03|last2=Aldará|first2=Jón|last3=Yli-Sirniö|first3=Sami|last4=Yli-Sirniö|first4=Sami|last5=Perttilä|first5=Janne|last6=Perttilä|first6=Janne|last7=Myllynen|first7=Antti|last8=Laine|first8=Olli-Pekka|last9=Laine|first9=Olli-Pekka}}</ref>

The fourth record has gained positive accolade by the reviewers, hailing it the best Barren Earth album so far. Jón Aldará, now singing the lyrics mostly according to his own mind and will, switches between heavy growls and clear, even operatic vocals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://progressivemusicplanet.com/2018/03/28/barren-earth-a-complex-of-cages/|title=Barren Earth – "A Complex of Cages"|last=Progressive Music Planet|date=2018-03-28|website=Progressive Music Planet|language=en|access-date=2019-01-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://manofmuchmetal.com/2018/03/27/barren-earth-a-complex-of-cages-album-review/|title=Barren Earth – A Complex of Cages – Album Review|last=manofmuchmetal|date=2018-03-27|language=en|access-date=2019-01-03|archive-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008152821/https://manofmuchmetal.com/2018/03/27/barren-earth-a-complex-of-cages-album-review/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/reviews/cd_3/b_2/barren-earth-a.htm|title=Metal-Temple.com :: Barren Earth – A Complex of Cages (CD Review)|last=MetalDaveCampbell|website=metal-temple.com|language=EN|access-date=2019-01-03|archive-date=28 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728160755/http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/reviews/cd_3/b_2/barren-earth-a.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The band itself thanks V. Santura (Triptykon) for his involvement on producing the record.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/barren-earth-feat-kreator-guitarist-sami-yli-sirnio-a-complex-of-cages-album-due-in-march/|title=BARREN EARTH Feat. KREATOR Guitarist SAMI YLI-SIRNIÖ: 'A Complex of Cages' Album Due in March|last=Blabbermouth|date=2018-02-09|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-03}}</ref>

== Band members ==

=== Current members ===

* Sami Yli-Sirniö – lead guitar, backing vocals {{small|(2007–present)}} * Janne Perttilä – rhythm guitar, backing vocals {{small|(2007–present)}} * Olli-Pekka Laine – bass, backing vocals {{small|(2007–present)}} * Marko Tarvonen – drums {{small|(2007–present)}} * Jón Aldará – lead vocals {{small|(2014–present)}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalrecusants.com/2014/01/08/barren-earth-announce-jon-aldara-as-new-vocalist/|title=BARREN EARTH: Announce Jón Aldará as new vocalist.|date=8 January 2014|publisher=Metalrecusants.com|accessdate=30 January 2015}}</ref> * Antti Myllynen – keyboards {{small|(2017–present)}} {{col-2}}

=== Former members ===

* Kasper Mårtenson – keyboards, backing vocals {{small|(2007–2017)}} * Mikko Kotamäki – lead vocals {{small|(2007–2013)}} {{col-end}}

== Discography ==

=== Albums ===

* 2010{{spaced ndash}}''Curse of the Red River'' * 2012{{spaced ndash}}''The Devil's Resolve'' * 2015{{spaced ndash}}''On Lonely Towers'' * 2018{{spaced ndash}}''A Complex of Cages''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=33127|title=Barren Earth – Unveil New Album First Single And Details|publisher=metalstorm.net|accessdate=12 February 2018|date=10 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bravewords.com/news/barren-earth-to-release-a-complex-of-cages-album-in-march-further-down-single-streaming|title=BARREN EARTH To Release A Complex of Cages Album in March; "Further Down" Single Streaming|publisher=bravewords.com|accessdate=12 February 2018|date=10 February 2018}}</ref>

=== EPs ===

* 2009{{spaced ndash}} ''Our Twilight''

== Videography ==

* 2010{{spaced ndash}} ”The Leer" (directed by Owe Lingvall) * 2012{{spaced ndash}} ”The Rains Begin" * 2015{{spaced ndash}} ”Set Alight" (directed by Owe Lingvall) * 2018{{spaced ndash}} ”Withdrawal" (lyric video) * 2018{{spaced ndash}} ”The Ruby" (directed by Vesa Ranta)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.centurymedia.com/newsdetailed.aspx?IdNews=22233&IdCompany=3|title=Century Media Records – Barren Earth: : release video for new single "The Ruby"!|website=centurymedia.com|access-date=2019-01-03|archive-date=28 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728160812/http://www.centurymedia.com/newsdetailed.aspx?IdNews=22233&IdCompany=3|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== See also ==

{{Portal|Biography|Finland|Faroe Islands}} * List of doom-metal bands * List of melodic death-metal bands * List of progressive-metal bands * Music of Finland {{clear}}

== References ==

== External links ==

* {{URL|barrenearth.com}}, the band's official website * [http://www.peaceville.com/bands/2093 Barren Earth on Peaceville site]

Category:2007 establishments in Finland Category:Finnish doom metal musical groups Category:Finnish melodic death metal musical groups Category:Finnish technical death metal musical groups Category:Musical groups established in 2007 Category:Musical groups from Helsinki Category:Heavy metal supergroups