SAVAGE LANDS
ARMY OF THE TREES (LTD.DIGISLEEVE)

After seeing how deforestation threatens Costa Rica’s landscape, metalheads are banging their heads together to preserve the world’s ecosystem. Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and musician-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel founded Savage Lands in 2022. Since then, the 501 (c) (3) non-profit has protected 100,000 square feet of Costa Rican rain forest. 100% of the royalties from their debut album, Army of the Trees, support the organization’s ongoing preservation projects, which include tree planting, building nature sanctuaries and establishing green zones. Savage Lands partners with local and global organizations like The Jane Goodall Institute, as well as many movers and shakers in the metal industry. “The Last Howl” features the spit-flinging growls of Obituary’s John Tardy and high-flying solos from Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser. Heilung’s chief of ceremonies Kai Uwe Faust blesses the black ‘n’ roll of “Black Rock Heart”, while Maria Franz gracefully lifts the melancholic power ballad “No Remedy” with her soothing high notes. Army of the Trees introduces several new species of metalhead to the Savage Lands ecosystem. Eurovision darlings Lord of the Lost spill their blood and glitter over “Out of Breath”. Holding court over lead single “Ruling Queen” with her serpentine cleans and lioness roar is none other than Arch Enemy’s Alissa White-Gluz. “Now is the time to take a stand”, the band roar in a fierce rallying cry during the album’s thunderous title track, which is backed by Julien Truchan (Benighted) and other pillars from the French metal community. Raise your horns and join the Army of the Trees in support of the metal non-profit.