Earth's 2008 incarnation continues what it had started on with 'hibernaculum' (a record where they gave some old classics a much needed update) as they have, over the years, progressed into a more Death Valley groove as opposed to a dark apocolyptica (that even outdates Godspeed!) created through detuned droning guitars and harrowing samples. 'Rise to Glory' is a fantastically condensed version of what this album has to offer; combining slow-burning riffs, minimalistic percussion and a wonderful atmosphere.

This continues more or less the same until 'Carrion Crow' which moves away from the constant beat from so far. Where as the first half of this record almost may as well be one song, as it drones through its images of driving through the Nevada desert on a blisteringly hot day, the final three tracks suggest revelation as the sun comes down, as they dare to end the record on an upbeat note (or drone) and is a rewarding listen by the end.

What makes 'The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull' special isn't so much the music itself, but the atmosphere it excellently creates. Thanks to its production, it's very easy to just drift off into this desolate world they've created through their music, ie; it's excellent travelling music. This it would seem is an excellent time of year for it's release too (like Panda Bear last year) as the trees are still bare but the sun is shining and stuff is starting to happen again; this, fits in with the world of this album just right. It's a record to watch the world go by as it manages to be both very heavy and light at the same time, and this is thoroughly enjoyable in its own right.