Easily one of the coolest things about an environmentally concerned nonprofit started by and supported by metalheads is that occasionally they get together to make music to support the cause! We knew it was just a matter of time that the combined creative force of Savage Lands founders Dirk Verbeuren of Megadeth and his former guitar-slinging bandmate from the ’90s, Sylvain Demercastel, would rally their metallic brethren and record some music. We’re honored and thrilled to debut the first single and accompanying video, courtesy of Season of Mist Records, featuring the pair joined by Obituary vocalist John Tardy and Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser, and further supported by Black Bomb A members Poun (vocals) and Etienne Treton (bass). The crushing track, “The Last Howl,” is written about the plight of the threatened howler monkey in Costa Rica, whose population has declined 50% in just the last 15 years due to loss of habitat and environmental issues. As noted in the video, “every second, a forest the size of a football field is being cut down,” in Costa Rica. Savage Lands’ goal is to push back on that and, in turn, preserve valuable habitat.
With “The Last Howl,” Savage Lands is using metal to engage metalheads. By streaming the song and watching the video you will generate song royalties that will help fund nature sanctuaries, establish green zones and other land preservation projects in Costa Rica. 100% of those royalties will go toward the cause. You can also donate directly here. And to learn more about Savage Lands, go here.
“If you want to make a difference, take action!,” says Verbeuren. “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.
