Artist: Earth Album: Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions

Year: 1995
Duration: 54:58

Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions by Earth: A Critical Look into the Album

Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions is one of the most impactful albums in recent musical history. Released in 1995, it marked the third album of the music artist Earth. It is a classic album of the genre known as drone, which emphasizes the use of sustained tones and repetition. Many listeners describe Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions as a masterpiece of the genre. As a listener who has followed the career of Earth, I feel it is time to analyze this album and share my review with my readers.

Earth's musical career started in the early '90s in Olympia, Washington. Its founder, Dylan Carlson, is one of the pioneers of the drone genre. The band has gone through various changes in its lineup, with Carlson being the only constant member and creative force behind their music. Their debut album, Earth 2: Special Low-frequency Version, set the tone for their unique sound, which has been influential in many other genres, including post-rock and metal. The second album, Phase 2: Extra-Capsular Extraction, refined their approach to drone, and Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions was the next progression in their musical evolution.

At first listen, Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions might seem repetitive and dull. However, the album's brilliance lies in how it creates a sonic atmosphere that envelops the listener's senses. The opening track, Harmony in Ultraviolet, sets the tone for the entire album with its haunting guitar riffs and layered soundscapes. The album's lead single, Coda Maestoso in F (Flat) Minor, showcases Carlson's love for heavy metal, with its distortion-filled riffs and slow-paced melody. The track Charioteer (Temple Song) is another standout, with its Middle Eastern-inspired melodies and hypnotic drumming.

One of the most innovative parts of Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions is Carlson's use of a drum machine in some of the tracks, such as Crooked Axis For String Quartet. This addition adds a new dimension to the otherwise purely instrumental album. Another notable feature is the use of samples of dialogue from movies like Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead. This addition has contributed to the album's surreal and otherworldly feel, making it more challenging to pin down a specific emotion or sensation while listening.

While I find Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions to be phenomenal, it might not appeal to everyone's taste. The drone genre, in general, is a challenging and polarizing one for most people, but this album can be a starting point for an exhilarating musical journey. However, individuals who are not fans of the genre might find it hard to appreciate the music's subtleties. Moreover, despite its rich texture, the long song lengths and repetitiveness might lead some listeners to tune out before the album's end.

Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions by Earth is unquestionably an iconic album of the drone genre. The album's immersive atmosphere, haunting melodies, and innovative use of samples and drum machines are what make this album stand the test of time. This album is an exquisite masterpiece for those who love the drone genre and enjoy exploring experimental music. However, it might not be an ideal starting point for people new to the genre. My critical review hopes to encourage listeners to appreciate this masterpiece and dive deeper into Earth's innovative and revolutionary musical catalog.