Review THE OLD DEAD TREE “London Sessions” – EP

November is a month characterised by gloom and silent wistfulness. Trees drop their leaves and we head towards a season of grey and sombre weeks. What could be more fitting than an EP from the French dark metal band The Old Dead Tree? The band’s name fits this time of year perfectly and their music also provides the perfect soundtrack for the coming weeks.

Since reuniting in 2019, the French band has released a well-received album, the fourth in their career, titled “Second Thoughts” . Now they are back with “London Sessions”, an EP featuring four songs.

The Old Dead Tree headed to London to record this EP at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. In such an environment, with rock history lurking around every corner, the band recorded two new songs and reimagined two classics. Driven by their own musical vision and inspired by the surroundings, the band recorded “Feel Alive Again”, the opening track of this new release. The song starts calmly and emotionally, paving the way to get into this release. There is a fine balancing act between emotional intensity and intricate soundscapes with heavier moments. The Old Dead Tree manage this tightrope walk with great skill, creating an attention-grabbing opener.

“Time Has Come” is the second new song, opening with a piano before the vocals join in. This song is more straightforward post-rock. Upbeat moments alternate with soulful ones, creating a great arc of tension. “Time Has Come” showcases the French five-piece’s sonic range in a great way.

“By the Way” and “What Else Could We Have Said” are songs with which fans of the band are already familiar. Both tunes were released in 2005 on the second album, “The Perpetual Motion”. Two decades later, The Old Dead Tree has revived the spirit of the band’s early years with two songs that showcase the quintet’s development. While not deviating intensely from the originals, the re-recordings offer a more nuanced approach with added details, making them both emotionally touching moments on this EP.

With “London Sessions”, The Old Dead Tree embark on an emotional journey through melancholy and gloom. In this bittersweet musical endeavour, there is always a ray of hope and sunlight, too — mainly driven by well-crafted melodies and hooks that establish an instant connection with these four tunes.