THE OLD DEAD TREE: Second Thoughts (GOTHIC METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Five years ago, The Old Dead Tree seemed to be drawing to a close with “The End”, an EP with an unequivocal title. At the time, everything seemed to point to a definitive conclusion: a choice assumed by Manuel Munoz, eager to preserve the band's artistic integrity by avoiding one album too many, and his commitment to other projects, notably with Arkan. Yet, as he confided in our last interview, never say never. And he was right.

It was with 'Unpredictable', a previously unreleased track with an evocative name, that the band surprised everyone, announcing their return and a new album: “Second Thoughts”. True to their sense of detail, even the track names tell a story. After this first single, 'Solastalgia' (evoking modern or urban loneliness) and 'The Lightest Straw' consolidated expectations, revealing an album both faithful to the band's essence and remarkably diverse. With “Second Thoughts”, The Old Dead Tree explore a subtle balance between melody and power, taking the work begun on their previous albums a step further. While some of the sounds may seem almost mainstream, they only serve to highlight their deep-rooted metal roots: abrasive growls, incisive riffs, and a song structure that goes beyond conventional formats. Constructed as a veritable sonic voyage, this album plays with contrasts to offer an immersive, emotional experience.

One of the hallmarks of “Second Thoughts” is its two large suites, sets of three tracks that form a coherent narrative arc. The first, The Secret ('Better Off Dead', 'Without a Second Thought' and 'Luke'), begins in an introspective mood before intensifying with a startling explosion of sound, eventually descending into elegiac darkness. This trilogy brilliantly illustrates the band's ability to marry tension and release, strength and fragility. The second sequel, The Hunt ('Fresh Start', 'I Wish I Could' and 'The Trap'), takes the immersion even further. Evoking a breathless hunt, it juxtaposes powerful refrains and striking rhythmic variations. The edgy verses of 'I Wish I Could' contrast with the crushing heaviness of 'The Trap4', which concludes this sonic manhunt on a darkly tragic note. The rich dynamics and subtle use of samples immerse the listener in a captivating, almost cinematic narrative.

Apart from these ambitious sequels, each track finds its place with force. The Worst Is Yet To Come', a true tribute to the power of Gojira, promises to be an anthology moment live, while 'Story Of My Life' offers an epic breath of personal vulnerability. Each track, whether explosive or introspective, seems tailor-made to leave a lasting impression. The musicians' collective work is remarkable: Manuel Munoz once again impresses with his chameleon-like voice, capable of shifting from fragile sweetness to raw power, while the rhythm section and solos shine with precision and emotion. Every note seems thought out to serve the story, without unnecessary embellishment.

“Second Thoughts” may disorientate older fans with its immediacy, but it never denies the legacy of The Old Dead Tree. On the contrary, it transcends the band's history to offer a work that is both human and timeless. This album plays with the notion of return, oscillating between past and future, closure and renewal. It testifies to the band's ability to reinvent itself without ever losing its soul. This return, as unexpected as it was hoped for, is a complete success. With “Second Thoughts”, The Old Dead Tree prove they have lost none of their relevance and creative force. An album that is sure to leave its mark on French metal history and far beyond. - Official website

THE OLD DEAD TREE

SECOND THOUGHTS

SEASON OF MIST

GOTHIC METAL