EP Review: Third Island – Burning (Self Released)

Third Island are a post‐metal band formed in 2015 and based in Limerick, Ireland. Aiming to create a unique sound, the band draws from a wide array of influences including doom, post-rock, noise rock, shoegaze, sludge, prog, and stoner rock to experiment within their metal framework. Their new EP, ‘Burning’ will be released on October 6th, 2023.

A more stripped back and rawer sound then what was experienced on earlier releases, Third Island have shifted into more notable noise and alternative rock territories. Albeit, with plenty of their experimental genre splicing still going on. Something that serves them well as they arrive in raucous fashion with the walloping title track. Their focused mindset allows them to deliver a memorable hit of sludge and doom, with wacked out tone shifts that add some ‘body shaking’ elements.

The experimental vibe is just as strong with the emphatic instrumentation of Like Gold. The rhythm is erratic, but it keeps things interesting as this is one of the more layered efforts. Third Island taking an almost ‘jam’ session approach to this music. Which does come through on Low Light too, but not so severely and that’s mainly because it’s a more melodic effort. It even has some crooning vocals, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it doesn’t have weight and girth, because it does.

As good as everything has been so far though, it all pales in comparison, somewhat, to the final track, Bury the Sun. This is Third Island’s most intricate offering, a track that covers a hell of a lot of ground when it comes to genres, and a track that lights up the senses as it goes through its varied stages. Ending in what can only be described as unashamed noise.

Very cool stuff from Third Island and it’s great to see them expanding upon their creativity.

Third Island – Burning Track Listing:

1. Burning
2. Like Gold
3. Low Light
4. Bury The Sun

Links

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