AFTER EARTH, Ruin (2012, self-released)

The skull:
You probably think it’s just perspective that makes the skull loom so large in the frame, but no, this is a giant wrecking skull and it just knocked down that building. Who knew the Morlocks were such an ornamental people, and that their flair for embellished design would extend even to their heavy construction equipment?

The music:
Remember back in 1997 or so when pretty much every death metal outfit was trying to sound like Dark Tranquillity and/or In Flames? Those were the good ol’ days, at least for After Earth, who were sadly too young to have ripped off the Gothenburg bands when it was still fashionable to do so. But they’re here now, and if you miss those halcyon times when Night In Gales and Gardenian rode high on the hog, you can party with After Earth like it’ll be 1999 in a year or two.
— Friar Johnsen