Savage Lands Premiere Star-Studded Debut Album

After hearing firsthand how land developers are tearing down Costa Rica’s rain forest, two angry metal heads decided they weren’t going to sit around and rust in peace. Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and his old guitarist Sylvain Demercastel started Savage Lands, the music industry’s first artist-run environmental non-profit.

100% of the royalties from Savage Lands’ debut album support their ongoing preservation projects in Costa Rica and other countries. Army of the Trees comes out this Friday, February 14, but you can hear all 10 star-studded songs today by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel. 

“Metalheads have always been powerful and passionate people in my eyes”, says Arch Enemy front woman Alissa White-Gluz, who stars as the queen of the jungle on the latest single from Army of the Trees. “I hold deep gratitude for Savage Lands and their relentless work in safeguarding the fragile beauty of Costa Rica’s ecosystem”.   

Listen to Army of the Trees.
https://youtu.be/IH2g8V6i6c0

Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/savagelandsarmyofthetrees

Savage Lands’ roots run deep. Dirk and Sylvain first met in France during the late ‘90s, when they both played in the socially conscious thrash metal band Artsonic. But like the limbs of a tree, the organization is supported across many different fields. They partner with local scientists, forest engineers, ecological parks and other non-profits on the ground in Costa Rica, as well as international organizations like Hellfest, who are donating 1 million Euro to Savage Lands over the next five years.

“Nature is music. Trees have music”, says Dr. Jane Goodall, whose global institute is partnering with the metal non-profit’s European branch on preservation projects in France and Africa. “Savage Lands are using their music to support projects that promote biodiversity, which will help make the world better for future generations”. 

Whether they’re out planting trees or hunkered down in the studio, Savage Lands foster the spirit of collaboration. Any metal supporter will recognize Dirk’s swiveling left foot behind the drum kit. But alongside Sylvain’s shredding solos and melodic riffs, the core band is backed by Loco Muerte’s Florian Pons and Poun and Etienne Treton from veteran French metalcore band Black Bomb A.

“When Sylvain and Dirk introduced us to Savage Lands at Hellfest in 2023, we instantly saw the passion and necessity behind this endeavor and were absolutely thrilled by the opportunity”, says Chris Harms and Pi Stoffers of Lord of the Lost, who pour their blood and glitter into the chest-pounding “Out of Breath”. “Music can not only offer a refuge to every single person on this earth, but it can be used as a sanctuary for the existential nature around us”.   

Army of the Trees is loaded with more metallic force. “The Last Howl” pays a fitting tribute to the endangered howler monkey. Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser swings through not one, but two acrobatic solos, and Obituary swamp king John Tardy unleashes his inner primate with some ferocious, spit-flinging growls. While a wicked downpicked stroke of black ‘n’ roll, “Black Rock Heart” aims at more spiritual concerns. Channeling protective powers from the Obsidian stone, visionary artist Chloé Trujillo and Heilung’s chief of ceremonies Kai Uwe Faust warn of a doomsday scenario that’s unfolding right before our eyes.

“Supporting what Savage Lands is doing was an easy decision”, says fellow Heilung warrior Maria Franz, whose soothing high notes grace the melancholic power ballad “No Remedy”. The Nordic collective  donated $1 for every ticket sold during their most-recent U.S. tour to their Season of Mist labelmates.  

Army of the Trees hammers its message home with Francophone force. Eight pillars from the French metal scene join Savage Lands on the album’s roaring title track in the fight to protect the world’s ecosystems. “Now is the time to take a stand” they shout, bonded together in a fierce rallying cry.

“Our goals are attainable”, say Dirk and Sylvain. “By converting the land that we purchase into nature sanctuaries, Savage Lands will help set a precedent for environmental activism. But we must work together and quickly. Ecosystems are still under attack. If we don’t, then there won’t be any wildlife left to save”.

Raise your horns and join the Army of the Trees in support of the metal non-profit.

Just listening to Army of the Trees helps support Savage Lands. 100% of the song’s royalties fund the musician-run non-profit’s preservation efforts.

The CD Digisleeve for Army of the Trees is made from eco paper, while the LP is pressed on BioVinyl.

Learn more about Savage Lands
https://savagelands.org/  

Donate
https://savagelands.org/donation/

“This album sounds phenomenal” – A&P Reacts

“a musical tour de force…my first “must have” album of 2025″ – MMH Radio

“It’s a project we all should, and I think will, feel strongly about” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“…a rare beast: a metal album that not only crushes sonically but also serves a greater purpose” – Antihero

Black Rock Heart (4:36) Ruling Queen (4:31) The Last Howl (6:04) No Remedy (4:27) Out of Breath (4:49) Better Man (4:23) Never Be Up (3:42) Army of the Trees (4:26) Visions of Life (4:02) Addicted (4:45)