Savage Lands Partners with ESP Guitars

June 12, 2025

Just like the trees they're protecting, Savage Lands have roots that run deep. Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and guitarist-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel first joined forces in France during the late '90s before reuniting two decades later to form the world's first metal non-profit for biodiversity. Since 2022, their organization has protected more than 100 acres of endangered forest with help from environmentalists and metalheads.

As they prepare once again to bring the metal forest to Hellfest, today, Savage Lands is proud to announce its partnership with ESP Guitars. The two will work together to raise awareness about biodiversity and help fund the preservation projects that Savage Lands is directing in Costa Rica, Europe and Africa.

"Savage Lands is so happy to partner with a great guitar company in ESP. We are looking forward to preparing some nice events and artist collaborations together", Sylvain says. "I was endorsed by ESP when Dirk and I were playing in a band together back in the '90s. I always loved their guitars, so it feels natural for Savage Lands to connect with my instrumental roots!"

To ring in their new partnership, Savage Lands are giving away their very own custom ESP EC Series Guitar. Painted forest green and carved with the Army of the Trees logo, this guitar is the only one of its kind.

For a chance to win this exclusive merch item, purchase a ticket for HellRaffle 2025. Savage Lands will use 100% of the money collected from this raffle to finance another land acquisition like the one they recently purchased in Touraine, France.

Enter HellRaffle 2025
https://pages.gotombola.co/g/GTSQ249?locale=en_US

Other raffle prizes include a NOTOX surfboard and skateboard, drumsticks signed by Dirk Verbeuren and 2 full 4 day passes to Hellfest 2026.

Hellfest is donating one million Euro to Savage Lands after Sylvain and company performed on the main stage at last year's festival.

Savage Lands debut album is out now on Season of Mist. Army of the Trees features members of Arch Enemy, Obituary, Sepultura, Lord of the Lost, Heilung + more!

Order & Stream
https://orcd.co/savagelandsarmyofthetrees

Just listening to Army of the Trees helps support Savage Lands. 100% of the song’s royalties fund the organization'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/

Savage Lands Premiere Star-Studded Album

February 12, 2025

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 below.

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 toArmy of the Treeshelps 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/

Core lineup
Poun - vocals
Sylvain Demercastel - guitars
Etienne Treton - Bass
Florian Pons - drums

Special member
Dirk Verbeuren (Drums on "Black Rock Heart", "The Last Howl" and "Out of Breath)

Collaborators
Stephane Buriez
Ardag Basmadjian
HK Nico + James at Vamacara

Guest features
Kai Uwe Faust - Vocals (Black Rock Heart)
Chloe Trujillo - Vocals (Black Rock Heart, Out of Breath)
Alissa White-Gluz - Vocals (Ruling Queen)
Kenneth Andrews - Guitar (Ruling Queen)
Andreas Kisser - Guitar (The Last Howl)
John Tardy - Vocals (The Last Howl)
Maria Franz - Vocals (No Remedy)
Lord Of The Lost - Vocals, Guitars (Out of Breath)

*Army of Trees features Steeven Corsini (Loco Muerte), Auré Jäger (Akiavel), David & Viber (Sidilarsen), Niko Jones (Tagada Jones), Julien Truchan (Benighted), Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast, Sinsaenum), Nils Courbaron (Bloodorn, Sirenia, DDC) and Aurelien Ouzoulias (The Beat Factory, Mörglbl).

Production
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Adair Daufembach at Daufembach Studio in Los Angeles.

Cover artist
Brewster Agency

Photographer
Gornos

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

Available Formats
Digital Download
CD Digisleeve
12" BioVinyl (Gatefold)

Follow Savage Lands
Official Website: https://savagelands.org/
Bandcamp: https://savagelands.bandcamp.com/album/army-of-the-trees
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/savage-lands/1712738479
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5fft5SyNYhNar3PdYtKQSF
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Savage-Lands-100081754354224/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savagelands_project/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@savagelands9644

Arch Enemy Heroine Joins Savage Lands on New Single

February 10, 2025

Feast your eyes on the blockbuster video for their star-studded new single and even those outside of the metal scene will know that Savage Lands are fierce defenders of our natural habitat. But this supergroup aren't acting when it comes to preserving the world's ecosystems.

After witnessing how land developers are tearing down Costa Rica's rain forest, Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and his old guitarist Sylvain Demercastel decided they weren't going to sit around and rust in peace. In 2022, they started Savage Lands, the music industry's first artist-run environmental non-profit.

100% of the royalties from the organization's first feature-length album support their ongoing preservation projects in Costa Rica and other countries. Army of the Trees features members of Sepultura, Heilung, Lord of the Lost and other metallic superstars. On the album's new single "Ruling Queen", Savage Lands call on metal's blue-haired heroine along with one of its strongest axemen to help defend their turf.

"Art and activism converge in a space of meaning, and that is where I choose to stand", says Arch Enemy front woman Alissa White-Gluz. "Metalheads have always been powerful and passionate people in my eyes. I hold deep gratitude for Savage Lands and their relentless work in safeguarding the fragile beauty of Costa Rica's ecosystem".

"It has been my pleasure and honor to be part of this unbelievable project", Obituary guitarist Kenneth Andrews says. "Let's do our part!"

Watch the video for "Ruling Queen" featuring Alissa White-Gluz and Kenneth Andrews below.

Army of the Trees comes out February 15, 2025 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/savagelandsarmyofthetrees

Scenes from "Ruling Queen" were shot on location in the 100,000 square feet of high-risk Costa Rican rainforest that Savage Lands has preserved using royalties from their music. But while the video opens on a peaceful mountain vista, the rumble of drum fills from Loco Muerte's Florian Pons warn that trouble is afoot. Before the guitars can even sink their teeth into the song's biting riff, a band of armed soldiers come storming through the forest hellbent on turning a profit.

It's a sight and sound that Savage Lands' co-founders know all too well. "After hearing chainsaws tear through Costa Rica on a daily basis, we knew it was time to act", says Sylvain, "because the buzzing is only getting louder".

Savage Lands is backed by environmental activists and angry metalheads alike. The world-famous Nordic collective Heilung donated $1 for every ticket sold during their most-recent U.S. tour to support their Season of Mist label mates. Hellfest followed by donating 1 million Euro to the organization over the next five years. During their performance on the main stage at last year's festival, Sylvain and the core band were joined by members of Napalm Death, Biohazard, Body Count, Textures, The Gathering, Nasum and Cultura tres. Savage Lands is also partnering with the Jane Goodall Institute on biodiversity projects in France and Africa.

Now, with their new single, Savage Lands are adding the queen of the jungle to their ranks. As the softly swirling melody of "Ruling Queen" appears like a break in the clouds, who else should appear but the leading lady of the Swedish melodeath dynasty Arch Enemy. "Fall of the universe", Alissa White-Gluz sings as she stalks the video's unsuspecting invaders from the treetops. Even her soaring cleans are heavy with disdain for her soon-to-be prey. "We're nothing special, we're no heroes".

Joining forces with Alissa came naturally to Savage Lands. While she and Dirk have crossed paths with their respective bands on the international touring circuit, they're also both vegans and animal rights advocates. "That's important to us", Dirk says about the partnership behind "Ruling Queen". "Obviously, it's great when Savage Lands receives support from a huge star like Alissa, but that she also buys into the philosophy behind our organization makes it even better".

Sharing similar beliefs about the environment led Savage Lands and the Arch Enemy front woman to develop an organic songwriting chemistry. Though slotted toward the top of the album's tracklist, "Ruling Queen" was one of the last songs that Sylvain and core vocalist Poun wrote for Army of the Trees. It came together quickly, too. Shredding leads, crashing cymbals and the booming bass of Poun's Black Bomb A bandmate Etienne Treton surge together into a raging chorus that's as powerful and free-flowing as a waterfall.

"The good songs tend to come together easily", Sylvain says, though Savage Lands needed some guidance from the song's namesake when carving out the verses. "Alissa is a true professional", he continues, "She has a very analytical way of working but also understands the power of symbols". She helped strike the right balance between Poun's bat-like scream and her cavernous growl. "The whole world is sick with fear", they shout in unison, a bone-crushing refrain that sticks in your head long after you're finished headbanging.

"To walk among the flora and fauna of Costa Rica has been a long-held aspiration for me", Alissa says. "To do so while creating music and championing their protection was not just a privilege but a reminder - true purpose lies in something greater than oneself".

Making the video for "Ruling Queen" wasn't always such a breeze. Gornoss directed Savage Lands and company on a 10-day trek through Costa Rica. Setting up inside the heart of the jungle did give them a bird's-eye view of a hard-working colony of leafcutter ants, but filming at night besides a giant, roaring campfire tested everyone's mettle. "It was so hot", Sylvain remembers. "I couldn't touch the side of my guitar".

While certainly no stranger to the swamps, Obituary's Kenneth Andrews had some mild reservations about joining the video team's excursion. After hearing his bandmate John Tardy unleash his inner primate on Savage Land's first-ever single, the seasoned vet was dying to flex his chops on "Ruling Queen". "Once I got the call, everything came together naturally and very quickly", Andrews says. "Before I knew it, I was flying to Costa Rica to shoot the video". The extreme metal guitarist was sweating over filming amidst the beasts of the jungle but seeing the calming beauty of Costa Rica's ecosystem up close and personal restored his timeless cool.

"The experience was very surreal", Andrews continues. "I will never forget the hospitality and professionalism of the whole crew, not to mention being part of a very important movement that I honestly didn't understand the scope of until meeting everyone involved. My eyes have been opened...wide!" Flanked by Alissa's knockout belt, his courageous solo brings the video's villains to their knees.

"That makes me really happy", Sylvain says. "It shows that it's possible to change the way people think about nature. Our goals are attainable. 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 "Ruling Queen" 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/

"Ruling Queen" Video Credits
The video for "Ruling Queen" was directed by Gornoss (https://www.instagram.com/gornoss). It was shot on location in the Costa Rican jungle during the country's rainy season.

Storyboard
Gornoss

Concept
Savage Lands

Featured actors
Misael Rodriguez
Daniel Loria

Assistant Production Office Coordinator
Caroline Mantovani

Pre-production / Scouting / Costumes / Accessories
Misael Rodriguez
Daniel Loria
Caroline Mantovani
Sylvain Demercastel

Lighting
Santamaria Ernesto (Blackline)

Savage Lands thanks their local partners who helped make this video possible.

Mistico Park (https://misticopark.com)

Arenal Mundo Aventura (https://www.arenalmundoaventura.com)

Black Line Productions (https://www.instagram.com/blacklineproductions)

Lord Of The Lost Join Savage Lands on Breathtaking New Single

December 10, 2024

As Savage Lands prove on their breathtaking new single, metalheads aren't ones to back down from a fight. After witnessing how land developers are tearing down Costa Rica's rain forest, Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and his old guitarist Sylvain Demercastel decided they weren't going to sit around and rust in peace. In 2022, they started Savage Lands, the music industry's first artist-run environmental non-profit.

Using the money that's generated by their music, Savage Lands has preserved 100,000 square feet of Costa Rican rain forest. 100% of the royalties from the organization's star-studded album, Army of the Trees, support their ongoing preservation projects in Costa Rica and other countries. But as they warn on their crushing new single with Lord Of The Lost and Chloe Trujillo, if we don't act fast and protect our ecosystems, then pretty soon, we won't just be out of time. We'll be out of breath.

Watch the video for "Out of Breath" featuring Lord of the Lost and Chloe Trujillo, Below.

Army of the Trees comes out February 15, 2025 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/savagelandsarmyofthetrees

"Out of Breath" marks the first time that Lord Of The Lost and Savage Lands have appeared together on a record, but the Eurovision darlings are one of the organization's earliest supporters. "When Sylvain Demercastel and Dirk Verbeuren 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 from Lord Of The Lost. "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".

The video tones down the glam and glitter with its dystopian footage, but Harms screams with bloody conviction alongside the explosive wails of Black Bomb A and Savage Lands vocalist Poun. "We loved writing this song, as it was yet again another stylistic facet that we haven't necessarily touched already", Lord Of The Lost continues. The song's bridge craters under the cavernous weight of Harms' death growls. "We're left for dead".

But not all hope is lost. From the ashes of Stoffers' smoldering solo alights a familiar voice. "Look at the sky", beckons Chloe Trujillo, who reprises her mystic role from earlier single "Black Rock Heart". "A place to breath / People and trees". It's a chilling reminder of all we stand to lose.

“Our goals are attainable,” Sylvain and Dirk say. “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 "Out of Breath" 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/

The video for Out of Breath was created by Brewster. Dirk's drum footage was provided by Drumeo. The live footage of Lord Of The Lost was provided by Lennard Schmitt, while the live footage of Savage Lands was filmed at Hellfest 2024 by Cornoss and Sombrero & Co. - Réal Bui Lê Quang.

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

Donate
https://savagelands.org/donation/

Core lineup
Poun - vocals
Sylvain Demercastel - guitars
Etienne Treton - Bass
Florian Pons - drums

Special member
Dirk Verbeuren (Drums on "Black Rock Heart", "The Last Howl" and "Out of Breath)

Collaborators
Stephane Buriez
Ardag Basmadjian
HK Nico + James at Vamacara

Guest features
Kai Uwe Faust - Vocals (Black Rock Heart)
Chloe Trujillo - Vocals (Black Rock Heart, Out of Breath)
Alissa White-Gluz - Vocals (Ruling Queen)
Kenneth Andrews - Guitar (Ruling Queen)
Andreas Kisser - Guitar (The Last Howl)
John Tardy - Vocals (The Last Howl)
Maria Franz - Vocals (No Remedy)
Lord Of The Lost - Vocals, Guitars (Out of Breath)

*Army of Trees features Steeven Corsini (Loco Muerte), Auré Jäger (Akiavel), David & Viber (Sidilarsen), Niko Jones (Tagada Jones), Julien Truchan (Benighted), Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast, Sinsaenum), Nils Courbaron (Bloodorn, Sirenia, DDC) and Aurelien Ouzoulias (The Beat Factory, Mörglbl).

Production
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Adair Daufembach at Daufembach Studio in Los Angeles.

Cover artist
Brewster Agency

Photographer
Gornos

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

Available Formats
Digital Download
CD Digisleeve
12" BioVinyl (Gatefold)

Follow Savage Lands
Official Website: https://savagelands.org/
Bandcamp: https://savagelands.bandcamp.com/album/army-of-the-trees
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/savage-lands/1712738479
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5fft5SyNYhNar3PdYtKQSF
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Savage-Lands-100081754354224/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savagelands_project/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@savagelands9644

Savage Lands Announce Debut Album

November 12, 2024

Punishing noise levels are a natural force among metal's various habitats. But after hearing the roar of chainsaws tear through Costa Rica's rain forest, two angry metalheads are banging their heads together to protect our ecosystems.

Savage Lands is co-operated by Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and musician-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel. Since its founding in 2022, the U.S.-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit has preserved 100,000 square feet of Costa Rican forest using the money from their music. 100% of the royalties from the organization's debut album, Army of the Trees, support their ongoing preservation projects in Costa Rica and other countries.

Army of the Trees comes out February 15, 2025 on Season of Mist.

Watch the video for the album's anthemic title track, which features stars from across the French metal scene below.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/savagelandsarmyofthetrees

Like the trees of the rain forest, Savage Lands are supported by many different branches.

On the ground, the organization partners with scientists, forest engineers, ecological parks, private businesses and other local non-profits. Their Green Alliance has led to more than 11,000 trees being planted in deforested areas along the Costa Rican coastline thanks to the help of 1,200 volunteers. They also partner with global conservation leaders like the Jane Goodall Institute.

"Nature is music. Trees are music", said the world famous scientist, who is working together with the metal non-profit on preservation projects in Africa and France.

Collaboration also fuels Savage Lands' creative drive. Army of the Trees introduces several species of metalhead into the band's natural environment. The album features Alissa White-Gluz, Lord of the Lost and other movers and shakers from across the metal industry. While the title track boasts a wild ranging guest list, its anthemic energy comes from the organization's earliest roots.

The foundation of Savage Lands was three decades in the making. Dirk and Sylvain first met in France during the late '90s, when they both played in the socially conscious thrash metal band Artsonic. While Dirk went on to join Soilwork and Megadeth, the country has continued to support their joint conservation efforts. Hellfest pledged to donate 1 million Euro to Savage Lands after the band performed on the main stage at this year's festival with familiar faces from Napalm Death, Biohazard, Body Count, The Gathering and their core members in French metalcore exploders Black Bomb A and Chicano crossover punks Loco Muerte.

"That's one of the beautiful things about Savage Lands", Sylvain says. "As a band, we're not limited to just one genre. We can adapt to boost the strengths of whoever is joining us".

"Army of the Trees" packs more Francophone force. Eight pillars from the French metal scene join Savage Lands in the fight to protect the world's ecosystems. Niko of Tagada Jones throws lyrical haymakers while Loco Muerte's Steeven Corsini spins a blazing rap between drums that pound with all the force of the jungle. Auré Jäger (Akiavel), David Sidilarsen and the mighty Julien Truchan from Benighted flex their beastly growls. The ghostly video is a chilling reminder of what's at stake, but the fiery guitar solos from Sylvain, Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast) and Nils Courbaron (Sirenia / Dropdead Chaos) put more than enough bite behind Savage Lands' fierce rallying cry. "Now is the time to take a stand".

“Our goals are attainable,” Sylvain and Dirk say. “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/

Core lineup
Poun - vocals
Sylvain Demercastel - guitars
Etienne Treton - Bass
Florian Pons - drums

Special member
Dirk Verbeuren (Drums on "Black Rock Heart", "The Last Howl" and "Out of Breath)

Collaborators
Stephane Buriez
Ardag Basmadjian
HK Nico + James at Vamacara

Guest features
Kai Uwe Faust - Vocals (Black Rock Heart)
Chloe Trujillo - Vocals (Black Rock Heart, Out of Breath)
Alissa White-Gluz - Vocals (Ruling Queen)
Kenneth Andrews - Guitar (Ruling Queen)
Andreas Kisser - Guitar (The Last Howl)
John Tardy - Vocals (The Last Howl)
Maria Franz - Vocals (No Remedy)
Lord of the Lost - Vocals (Out of Breath)

*Army of Trees features Steeven Corsini (Loco Muerte), Auré Jäger (Akiavel), David & Viber (Sidilarsen), Niko Jones (Tagada Jones), Julien Truchan (Benighted), Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast, Sinsaenum), Nils Courbaron (Bloodorn, Sirenia, DDC) and Aurelien Ouzoulias (The Beat Factory, Mörglbl).

Production
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Adair Daufembach at Daufembach Studio in Los Angeles.

Cover artist
Brewster Agency

Photographer
Gornos

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

Available Formats
Digital Download
CD Digisleeve
12" BioVinyl (Gatefold)

Follow Savage Lands
Official Website: https://savagelands.org/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/savage-lands/1712738479
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5fft5SyNYhNar3PdYtKQSF
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Savage-Lands-100081754354224/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savagelands_project/

Hellfest Donates 1 Million Euro to Savage Lands

July 15, 2024

Savage Lands are still buzzing after their performance on the main stage at Hellfest. Today, the musician-run 501(c) 3 non-profit is thrilled to announce that the festival is donating one million Euro to support their ongoing reforestation efforts in Costa Rica and Europe!

"This is a historical move by Hellfest and a great signal to the music industry", says musician-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel, who founded Savage Lands with Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren. "Such an extraordinarily generous donation from a renowned festival is just another example of the many ways that the metal community supports each other".

Hellfest's donation is just one part of a five-year partnership. Savage Lands will continue to host a booth on the festival grounds. This year, Bill Hudson (I Am Morbid), members of Dimmu Borgir and other metalheads stopped by their booth to learn more about the green zones, nature sanctuaries and other biodiversity preservation projects that they are building in Costa Rica. The non-profit has protected 60,000 square feet of rain forest using 100% of the royalties from their music.

"As a non-profit, we depend on the support of our listeners, other organizations and fellow artists", Sylvain says.

Many of their famous friends showed up to support Savage Lands at Hellfest. Sylvain was backed by familiar faces in Florian Pons (Loco Muerte) and Poun and Etienne Treton (Black Bomb A). Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) and Daniel de Jongh (Textures) joined for their entire set, which kicked off with "The Last Howl", a fitting tribute to the endangered howler monkey. Chloe Trujillio hopped on for the blackened groove of "Black Rock Heart", followed by Silje Wergeland (The Gathering) who sang along to the band's new melancholic single "No Remedy".

Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy) and Sakis Tolis (Rotting Christ) pledged their support via video. So did Maria Franz from Heilung, who are also partnering with Savage Lands. The Nordic collective are donating $1 for every ticket sold on their US tour to support the non-profit's reforestation efforts.

As if that wasn't enough starpower, for their grand finale, Savage Lands brought out Jesper Liveröd (Nasum) Alejandro Montoya (Cultura tres) Billy Graziadei (Biohazard) and Shane Embury (Napalm Death) for a bloody, screaming rendition of "Roots".

"I've known Andreas for such a long time," says Shane Embury. "It was great sharing the stage with him and all of these wonderful musicians. Meeting and becoming friends with Sylvain and the rest of his band was a beautiful experience.

"Making true creative connections like this is so important" Shane continues. "That's a big part of what draws me to Savage Lands. We are connected with every living thing on this planet and their organization is helping to preserve nature's treasures. I'm happy to be a part of such a truly important cause".

Some of the artists who performed with Savage Lands at Hellfest have already committed to working on their upcoming album, which will be released by Season of Mist. In the meantime, Sylvain and Dirk are still looking for more festivals and other prominent members of the metal community to join the army of trees.

"Our goals are attainable" Sylvain says. "By converting the land that we purchase into nature sanctuaries, Savage Lands will help set a precedent for environmental activism. But we must act quickly. Ecosystems are still under attack. If we don't, then there won't be any wildlife left to save".

Just listening to their music helps support Savage Lands. 100% of their song royalties fund the non-profit’s preservation efforts in Costa Rica.

Donations can also be made at https://savagelands.org/donation/

Savage Lands Performing on Hellfest Main Stage

June 19, 2024

Loud buzzing is music to the ear of most metalheads. But Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and guitarist Sylvain Demercastel are so enraged by the sound of chainsaws destroying Costa Rica's ecosystem that they've started Savage Lands, a musician-run 501 (c) 3 non-profit.

Savage Lands have protected 60,000 square feet of Costa Rican rainforest using royalties from their music. Next week, they're planting their ecological flag at Hellfest with a little help from some of their famous friends.

Savage Lands Live at Hellfest (Main Stage 02)
Friday, June 28 @ 5:35 - 6:30 pm CEST

Featuring special guests:

- Andreas Kisser (Sepultura)
- Shane Embury (Napalm Death)
- Vincent Dennis (Body Count)
- Daniel de Jongh (Textures)
- Silje Wergeland (The Gathering)
- Jesper Liveröd (Nasum)
- Alejandro Londono Montoya (Cultura tres)
- Chloe Trujilo

During their hour-long set at Hellfest, Savage Lands will perform classic metal covers along with other songs off their upcoming album, including new single "No Remedy", which features Heilung's Maria Franz.

Watch the chilling video for "No Remedy" below

Stream: https://savagelands.fanlink.tv/NoRemedy

Whether they're planting trees or holed away in the studio, Savage Lands foster the spirit of collaboration. Recently, they made history by signing a joint manifesto that addresses the need for forest and wildlife preservation. This marks the first time that three active Costa Rican / US-based non-profits have officially banded together over a shared mission statement.

"No Remedy" follows the same approach, though to different results than Savage Land's first two singles. Sylvain still comes speeding out the gate with another burning riff that will ignite the crowd at Hellfest, but this is the most melodic song they've ever written. When the band hit the chorus, the guitars don't crunch but crest into warm, washed-out power chords.

"That's one of the beautiful things about Savage Lands", Sylvain says. "As a band, we're not limited to just one genre. We can adapt to boost the strengths of whomever is joining us".

Black Bomb A experts know Poun for his explosive screams, but on "No Remedy", he simmers down in service of guest vocalist Maria Franz. Heilung are also partnering with Savage Lands by donating $1 for every ticket sold on their 2024 US tour to support their reforestation efforts, but their faithful followers might be surprised to hear that her soothing clean singing fits right at home with a heavy metal band.

"Supporting what Savage Lands is doing on the ground in Costa Rica was an easy decision" Maria says. After all, Heilung have a tradition of donating to tree planting initiatives. "But when Sylvain sent me 'No Remedy', there was a sense of melancholy to the song that really resonated with me".

Protecting the environment is the heartbeat of every Savage Lands song. "No Remedy" can be seen as a reflection on destroying the planet. The video was shot in an abandoned, run-down building that was once owned by Napoleon. But the song speaks to other human concerns. "I am locked in my head / And I lost the key", Poun bemoans, his quiet desperation only answered by Maria's haunting echo ("Never, never now").

"We are all helpless to stop the passing of time", Sylvain says. At the end of the video, the band members disappear from the screen, one by one, using an old-school film technique. "Each of us is left with only our memories".

Still, "No Remedy" does find a silver lining. "What do we need to live together?" Poun and Maria sing, their voices climbing, almost circling each other, before locking into perfect harmony. They might look mad as hell while yelling at each other across the kitchen table, but the whole video crew was in stitches after the sixth take of Maria throwing water on poor Poun. "Whether we're talking about the environment or our friendships, it's vital that we appreciate what we have during our time on this earth", Sylvain says.

Just listening to "No Remedy" helps support Savage Lands. 100% of the song's royalties fund the musician-run non-profit's preservation efforts in Costa Rica.

Donations can also be made at https://savagelands.org/donation/

Stop by the Savage Lands booth at Hellfest to learn more about the green zones, nature sanctuaries and other preservation projects that they're building in Costa Rica. Make a donation and receive the chance to win a one-of-a-kind guitar.

Artists occasionally support causes through donations to organizations. With SAVAGE LANDS, Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren teamed up with his guitar-wielding friend Sylvain Demercastel to create their own US 501(c)3 non-profit.

Savage Lands raises money for reforestation and the creation of sanctuaries free of human destruction in Costa Rica. Using their own royalties, donations and other fundraising efforts, the organization builds nature sanctuaries, establishes green zones and other land preservation projects. They partner with other non-profits, scientists and forest engineers, as well as Decibel Magazine and Season of Mist.

Donate: https://savagelands.org/donation/

"If you want to make a difference, take action! Our greatest hope with Savage Lands is that it will inspire you to join us, and if you can, to start your own initiative to help preserve animals, forests, and our planet", says Dirk.

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

Stream
https://savagelands.fanlink.tv/NoRemedy

Recording lineup for "No Remedy"
Sylvain Demercastel - Guitar
Poun (Black Bomb A) - Vocals
Etienne Treton (Black Bomb A) - Bass
Florian Pons (Loco Muerte) - Drums
Maria Franz - Guest Vocals

Production for "No Remedy"
Adair Daufembach

Recording of "No Remedy"
Savage Lands at Daufembach Studio in Los Angeles, CA

Savage Lands Release Single Feat. Heilung, Chloé Trujillo

April 22, 2024

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Using royalties from their first ever-single, Savage Lands recently protected 60,000 square feet of Costa Rican rainforest from getting chopped down. But on their new single, "Black Rock Heart", these angry metalheads are warning us that if we don't listen up, the world as we know it might not be around much longer.

Watch the video for "Black Rock Heart" featuring Kai Uwe Faust from Heilung and Chloé Trujillo below.

Just listening to "Black Rock Heart" helps support Savage Lands. 100% of the song's royalties fund the musician-run non-profit's preservation efforts in Costa Rica. Donations can also be made at https://savagelands.org/donation/

Savage Land's first single was a fitting tribute to the endangered howler monkey. But even though it's still plenty heavy, "Black Rock Heart" aims at more spiritual concerns. The video begins with an ominous warning: the spirits of nature are reaching out to us... Of course, who else could represent these magical beings but visionary artist Chloé Trujillo and Heilung's chief of ceremonies Kai Uwe Faust.

Channeling the protective powers of an Obsidian stone, Chloé sends Kai to warn of the doomsday scenario that's unfolding right before our eyes. Don't mistake the derelict buildings or rusted heavy metal machinery that dot this deserted landscape for the work of AI. Savage Lands shot this video on location in Salton Sea, which is the site of the biggest environmental disaster in California history.

"That we tried to create an ocean just shows our own ignorance" says guitarist Sylvain Demercastel, who co-founded Savage Lands alongside Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren. "The Salton Sea is a very symbolic area. It was the perfect place for us to shoot this video. Sadly, there's hardly a tree in sight".

Kai bangs on his hand drum. Still, even when he's screaming in the band's face, the message falls on deaf ears. Black Bomb A's Sebastian Poun strains his voice into a bat-like shriek before exploding on a room full of TVs, computers and other man-made creations that are supposed to make us happy.

"We wanted this song to reflect our mounting frustration with the way the real estate heat wave is destroying Costa Rica's ecosystem", says Sylvain. "Black Rock Heart" does sound angrier and more aggressive than what we've previously heard from Savage Lands. Sylvain shoots off a guitar solo that howls away like a flare gun, but the riff is a wicked stroke of downpicking that's only sharpened by the low end's blackened groove. "It's got a bit more black 'n' roll to it, which plays into the title".

But "Black Rock Heart" isn't all doom and gloom. Just as Chloé's clean singing cuts through those venomous shrieks like a salve, the song ends with a positive sign. The black arrow that falls from the sky is a final message for us to act on the benefit of our planet, before it's too late.

"That's the reason why we started Savage Lands", says Sylvain. "It's up to us to do something".

Kai and his fellow Heilung warriors are continuing to support Savage Lands on their 2024 tour dates. The Nordic collective are donating $1 for every ticket sold to the non-profit's ongoing forest preservation efforts in Costa Rica.

"The question is: 'Do you like to breath'?", Kai asks. "Do you like trees. Then you really should follow Savage Lands".

Savage Lands are planting their eco-friendly flag at Hellfest!They'll play the main stage on Friday, June 28, with help from some very special guests.

Stop by the Savage Lands booth to learn more about the green zones, nature sanctuaries and other preservation projects that they're building in Costa Rica. Make a donation and receive the chance to win a one-of-a-kind guitar.

Artists occasionally support causes through donations to organizations. With SAVAGE LANDS, Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren teamed up with his guitar-wielding friend Sylvain Demercastel to create their own US 501(c)3 non-profit.

Savage Lands raises money for reforestation and the creation of sanctuaries free of human destruction in Costa Rica. Using their own royalties, donations and other fundraising efforts, the organization builds nature sanctuaries, establishes green zones and other land preservation projects. They partner with other non-profits, scientists and forest engineers, as well as Decibel Magazine and Season of Mist.

Donate: https://savagelands.org/donation/

"If you want to make a difference, take action! Our greatest hope with Savage Lands is that it will inspire you to join us, and if you can, to start your own initiative to help preserve animals, forests, and our planet", says Dirk.

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

Stream
https://orcd.co/savagelandsblackrockheart

Recording lineup for "Black Rock Heart"
Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth) - Drums
Sylvain Demercastel - Guitar
Etienne Treton (Black Bomb A) - Bass
Poun (Black Bomb A) - Vocals
Chloé Trujillo - Vocals
Kai Uwe Faust - Vocals

Lineup for "Black Rock Heart" Video
Florian Pons - Drums
Sylvain Demercastel - Guitar
Etienne Treton (Black Bomb A) - Bass
Poun (Black Bomb A) - Vocals
Chloé Trujillo - Vocals
Kai Uwe Faust (Heilung) - Vocals

Recording
Savage Lands at Daufembach Studio in Los Angeles, CA
Additional songwriting by Florian Pons and Stephane Buriez

Production
Adair Daufembach
Additional production by Stephane Buriez

Savage Lands Purchase First Nature Reserve

February 5, 2024

Just a few months ago, 60,000 square feet of rainforest along the Costa Rican coastline was going to get chopped down. Fortunately, the angry metalheads behind Savage Lands had other ideas.

Using royalties from their first-ever single, Dirk Verbeuren(Megadeth) and musician-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel purchased an ecological easement that covers more than 90% of that endangered area. While Savage Lands doesn't own the property, not a single tree can be cut down thanks to their purchase.

Savage Lands is a 501 (c)3 non-profit that's co-operated by Dirk and Sylvain. Using donations, fundraising efforts and their own song royalties, they partner with other non-profits, scientists, engineers and metalheads to build nature sanctuaries, establish green zones and other land preservation projects.

Music fans can support Savage Lands just by listening to their music. 100% of all royalties go to supporting their reforestation efforts.

Watch the video for "The Last Howl", which features Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) and John Tardy (Obituary).

https://youtu.be/yrnm6pNdBFI

Heavy metal tends to obsess over death and destruction. But thanks to Savage Lands, the genre's heaviest hitters are banging their heads together to protect the Costa Rican rain forest.

Named after their joint passion for savage heavy metal and wildlife preservation, Savage Lands was founded in 2022 by Dirk and Sylvain Demercastel, who's a Costa Rica resident.

"Hearing the chainsaw on a daily basis, because of a recent real estate fever destroying Costa Rica's ecosystem, we thought it was time to start a new type of action", says Sylvain. "We are reaching out to this great active community of metalheads."

Plenty of big names have signed on to join the army of trees that Savage Lands is growing across Costa Rica. Along with Obituary and Sepultura, members of Heilung, Gojira, Testament and Lord of the Lost have all pledged their support.

Season of Mist recently announced their partnership with Savage Lands. This marks the first time that a record label has partnered and released music with a non-profit organization.

Fittingly, "The Last Howl" is a howling tribute to the howler monkey, an endangered species in Costa Rica. Verbeuren hammers out thunderous fills and pinging cymbals, while Sylvain rains down heavy pangs of distortion.

"The Last Howl" packs added fury thanks to some special guests. Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser rips off not one, but two acrobatic solos, and swamp king John Tardy (Obituary) unleashes his inner primate with some ferocious, spit-flinging growls.

"When Dirk first received the instrumental demo, he immediately had John Tardy in his mind for some vocals", Sylvain says. "He made the link between the howler monkey's scream and the more melodic chorus of the song.

"Less than 24 hours after reaching out to John through a common friend, we received a YES from Tardy, and knew it was going to be the start of a great adventure."

Artists occasionally support causes through donations to organizations. With SAVAGE LANDS, Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren teamed up with his guitar-wielding friend Sylvain Demercastel to create their own US 501(c)3 non-profit.

Savage Lands raises money for reforestation & the creation of sanctuaries free of human destruction. Using their own royalties, donations and other fundraising efforts, the organization builds nature sanctuaries, establishes green zones and other land preservation projects. They partner with other non-profits, scientists and forest engineers, as well as Decibel Magazine and Season of Mist.

Donate: https://savagelands.org/donation/

"If you want to make a difference, take action! Our greatest hope with Savage Lands is that it will inspire you to join us, and if you can, to start your own initiative to help preserve animals, forests, and our planet", says Dirk.

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

Stream "The Last Howl": https://savagelands.fanlink.to/TheLastHowl

Lineup for "The Last Howl"
Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth) - Drums
Sylvain Demercastel - Guitar
Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) - Guitar
John Tardy (Obituary) - Vocals
Poun (Black Bomb A) - Vocals
Etienne Treton (Black Bomb A) - Bass

Recording
Savage Lands / Adair Daufembach / John Tardy / Andreas Kisser / Steeven Corsini

Production
Savage Lands

Mixing & Mastering
HK - Vamacara Studio

Donate: https://savagelands.org/donation/

Members of Megadeth, Sepultura, Obituary Partner with SOM

November 14, 2023

Donate

Season of Mist is partnering with the musicians of SAVAGE LANDS. Through this partnership, we'll bang our heads together to support forests in Costa Rica. This is the first time a record label will be partnering & releasing the music of a non-profit organization.

*Listening to Savage Lands is already donating directly to this forest preservation effort.*

Watch the video for "The Last Howl" below.

After seeing first-hand how deforestation threatens Costa Rica's ecosystem, two angry metalheads started their own non-profit organization. Named after their joint passion for savage heavy metal and wildlife preservation, SAVAGE LANDS was founded in 2022 by Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren and musician-turned-activist Sylvain Demercastel, who's a Costa Rica resident.

"Hearing the chainsaw on a daily basis, because of a recent real estate fever destroying Costa Rica's ecosystem, we thought it was time to start a new type of action", says Sylvain. "We are reaching out to this great active community of metalheads."

Today, SAVAGE LANDS are debuting their first single. "The Last Howl" features Andres Kisser (Sepultura) and John Tardy (Obituary). 100% of the song's royalties will go toward protecting threatened lands from deforestation.

Listening is already donating directly to the forest preservation effort.

Stream "The Last Howl": https://savagelands.fanlink.to/TheLastHowl

An extra step can always be taken by directly donating to the cause through: https://savagelands.org/donation/

Fittingly, "The Last Howl" is a howling tribute to the howler monkey, an endangered species in Costa Rica. Verbeuren hammers out thunderous fills and pinging cymbals, while Sylvain rains down heavy pangs of distortion.

"The Last Howl" packs added fury thanks to some special guests. Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser rips off not one, but two acrobatic solos, and swamp king John Tardy (Obituary) unleashes his inner primate with some ferocious, spit-flinging growls.

"When Dirk first received the instrumental demo, he immediately had John Tardy in his mind for some vocals." Says Sylvain. "Making the link between the howler monkey's scream and the more melodic chorus of the song.

"Less than 24 hours after reaching out to John through a common friend, we received a YES from Tardy, and knew it was going to be the start of a great adventure."

Artists occasionally support causes through donations to organizations. With SAVAGE LANDS, Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren teamed up with his guitar-wielding friend Sylvain Demercastel to create their own US 501(c)3 non-profit.

SAVAGE LANDS raises money for reforestation & the creation of sanctuaries free of human destruction. Using their own royalties, donations and other fundraising efforts, the organization builds nature sanctuaries, establishes green zones and other land preservation projects. They partner with other non-profits, scientists and forest engineers, as well as Decibel Magazine and Season of Mist.

Donate: https://savagelands.org/donation/

"If you want to make a difference, take action! Our greatest hope with SAVAGE LANDS is that it will inspire you to join us, and if you can, to start your own initiative to help preserve animals, forests, and our planet", says Dirk.

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

Lineup
Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth) - Drums
Sylvain Demercastel - Guitar
Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) - Guitar
John Tardy (Obituary) - Vocals
Poun (Black Bomb A) - Vocals
Etienne Treton (Black Bomb A) - Bass

Recording
Savage Lands / Adair Daufembach / John Tardy / Andreas Kisser / Steeven Corsini

Production
Savage Lands

Mixing & Mastering
HK - Vamacara Studio

Donate: https://savagelands.org/donation/