I'll preface this by saying I don't think this only applies to Earth Spike- any Earth Build could probably do this off. But, I hadn't seen anyone else talk about this yet, so I'm saying... don't sleep on it!
The Basilisk + the Earth Set synergizes VERY well. Both of them give you ways of Petrifying creatures, which already gives you a lot of crowd control. One gives you basically guaranteed Crit Chance against those targets, the others gives you 100% crit damage. And the new Earth Spike helm is actually pretty strong. I just coasted into T7 with about 10 minutes left on the timer, so I'm sure I can push further. That is without Ancestrals, any GAs, no masterworking, no mythics, no gems, only about half tempered. Just really random gear with half thought into Aspects (as in, they at least make sense and aren't random, but I haven't attempted to min/max). I have a lot of room to grow.
I also have the Earthen Bulwark boots. Does the build need it? No, but it's fun. I have permanent barrier from the rune word version of Bulwark (which, as a Druid, since you can spec into EB, you get those from the rune words, too). I didn't know what else to do, so I invested in the pet skills. Wolves can get in the way and tank for you; vine gives you Fortify constantly. And Ravens spreads Vulnerable passively. Everything put together, either passively or proccing, I have: Overpower, Fortify, Barrier, Vulnerability, near permanent stun, and 100% crit chance. And since it's a basic build, no spirit cost. So as far as gearing, there are a number of stats I don't have to worry about.
I stayed Human, although I'm sure an argument could be made to play Werebear if that's the flavor you like. Gameplay is simple: run around and shoot things with Earth Spike. Rinse, Repeat. One button build with everything else on your bar there to help you passively (course you can always use them if you wish).
I'd highly recommend giving it a try.