(Einheit Produktionen)

Release Date: 2009
Origin: Germany

This is the second full-length album by this quality band. After their amazing EP “Wiege der Finsternis” in 2006, this band gained a place in my favorites of the genre. The band begun in 2004 with four members and slowly the line-up was completed, so now there are seven members on Finsterforst. In 2007 they released their debut full-length “Weltenkraft”, that got great feedback. Later they signed in Einheit and now they just released their second album “...zum Tode hin”.

Their music can be best described as symphonic folk black metal. There are five very long epic compositions in the album that lasts over 70 minutes. Their sound and production reminds me somehow of Moonsorrow, but from a much more folkish approach. Slow epic riffing, deep melodic keyboards and screaming vocals are combined with folk instruments, while accordion is the most dominant having the leading role in many of the melodies. After all, it’s one of their basic instruments, since Johannes Joseph, who is in the line-up, is responsible only for the accordion. Their songs are based on the folk tunes, where they seem to have countless brilliant ideas. Even if the album is very long and most of the time at the same tempo and style, their melodies are simply so innovative and enchanting that will keep you satisfied from the first to the last second.

Of course inside the songs there are changes in the rhythm and atmosphere. There are many fast parts, with more extreme vocals, amazing folk metal passages, acoustic parts and many epic moments, tied together in a very solid and professional way. The production is flawless and every instrument is perfectly clear. They lyrics are in German and are all in the booklet. Compared to their debut “Weltenkraft”, I would say that this album is somehow more melodic and less extreme, and I prefer it, but it still can’t “compete” the impression their EP “Wiege der Finsternis” made to me. In my opinion a bigger variety in the vocals could work for the band. Maybe next time…

Fans of folk black metal should definitely check them. Finsterforst is one of the very few bands that have such quality and original folk melodic ideas in their compositions. “...zum Tode hin” CD is released by Einheit Produktionen and it’s only in jewel case version. You can visit their myspace page to listen to their great songs: http://www.myspace.com/finsterforst

dimiarch