Tierra Vacía – “Rumble” | Progressive Rock Central.com

As you probably already know, from reading my reviews, I like finding new bands. Well, here is another! Tierra Vacía. They are a Nashville, Christian, metal band, who released their debut EP, Rumble, on March 1. Tierra Vacía is all on a first name bases only, with their fans, so the band is made up of: Amber, on lead vocals and flute; Matthew, (the founding member), plays guitar; Andrew, also plays guitar, and works as the band’s audio engineer; Nathan, plays bass, piano, and guitar; Braxten, plays the keyboards, synths, and piano. Anthony Morra, played drums and produced the album.

Their motto is chosen from the Biblical chapters of First Peter 2:9: “You are a chosen generation…that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Tierra Vacía, which translates to “empty Earth”, was founded by Matthew Murias and is composed of five friends who met in Nashville, Tennessee. The message and theme of the album is that, “We live in an era where there is a rising desperation for truth in a culture that is rapidly becoming spiritually void. In a time when many nations are succumbing to tyrannical rulers and the complete abandonment of the intrinsic value of the human being, music is a way to fight back against the cataclysmic changes that are happening in society as well as the evil that has existed since the beginning of time. So, Rumble, is Tierra Vacia’s attempt to return meaning back into the Earth through the art of music. It hopes to be an answer for those who are a part of the silent majority looking for answers to very serious questions”.

The band is inspired by artists such as Dream Theater, Rush, Epica, Dio and Neal Morse.

“Rumble”, opens the album with ominous background orchestration, and thunder and lightning. The keyboards are very cool and interesting. Someone is walking across stones, while as the drums begin to roar. What a powerful opening entrance. Then, the keyboards, synths, electric guitar and drums build the song melody. Amber joins in singing, “The devil’s up to something. But don’t think he is gonna win. I know a different ending. El Shadai, the King of kings. The government’s corrupted. They want us to believe their lies. A global mass psychosis. But we will break demonic ties”. Then, the chorus, “In the nation, there’s a rumble. Across the land, there’s a rumble. In the spirit, there’s a rumble. Listen, can you hear it?” A powerful song with an equally compelling supporting music video. Over four minutes of groundwork, laying out the theme and purpose of the rest of the EP. The keyboards are amazing, as are the awesome electric guitar solos! Very Rush-like at times, well mixed with some Dream Theater influences. Off to a great start!

“Chosen”, also has its own accompanying lyric video. This one opens with grinding metal electric guitars and stringed, Middle Eastern instrumentation, which just lifts the soundscape even higher. Then, those regal electric guitar solos take it sky high. Then, Amber sings, “You deny because you don’t want to answer. To a higher authority. Criticize our belief telling stories. Changing history.

Justify all your sin, turn a blind eye. Paganistic leaders everywhere”. Here are the chorus sings, “We are chosen, a chosen generation. Rejected by mankind.

Come and join us. And leave your past behind!” An over five-minute song of elegantly, and sincerely sang, requests for allegiance. The piano and guitar solos are supreme. Amber even adds flute to dot the i.

“Laodicea”, was the “leading city during the first century of the Earth. Laodicea was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 60”. This song opens with Amber singing and warning us all, about being lukewarm towards faith, as were the citizens of Laodicea. Wonderful stringed orchestration and acoustic guitar open the song, but later choirs and dramatic, theater – like orchestration, and drums, lift the level of the soundscape to epic levels.

“Weeping”, is full of beautiful piano and orchestration as Amber sings, “His gaze. Falls over the earth. His love so deep. For what was made for him. And through him. He reaches out to hold their hands. But they don’t return his touch. His cry is like an echo. They no longer know his voice!” Then, she unleashes the chorus, “So he weeps. And he weeps. He weeps!” The electric guitar solos are amazing again. A difficult song, waiting for a response from the multitudes.

“Midnight Cry”, is the epic closer to this EP. It opens with thunder drums and stringed orchestration. Heavy metal guitars and choirs join in. A very powerful opening to an epic answer, requested in the previous songs. Enough powerful Dream Theater/Queensrÿche – like metal to satisfy any progressive metal fan. A wonderful way to complete this fantastic EP. Over 7 minutes of choirs, orchestration, and thunder drums with metal guitars.

Tierra Vacía’s Rumble, is indeed a powerful statement and introduction to this well-prepared, musically talented and mature band. They have no fear with covering the subject of faith, as well as expanding and introducing that faith, to those not yet aware. They use music as their medium, to emphasize their desire for change. Likewise, they stand up for what they believe in, and no one should criticize them for their beliefs. This is only five songs. I’m ready to hear more. I have also asked them for an interview to find out more. Looking forward to a full length album, while appreciating this outstanding EP that they have created. Give Tierra Vacía’s Rumble, an opportunity. I think you will enjoy the experience.