Old Forest is among the black metal bands that grab you right away with their atmosphere and precise compositions. The British underground is an interesting place, and the trio is  among its earliest representatives, so  such experience is  inevitable.
It is good to note that for twenty five years the band members are still in the same sync and although they had a short break from 2001 to 2007, after their return they clearly showed how much more can be given to black metal from their camp. A well-oiled machine with cult status, carrying the old-school spirit within its core.

 

The band’s seventh full-length album is titled „Sutwyke“ and will be released on March 31st via Soulseller Records. Eight solid tracks, filled with cold guitars and traditional vocals, revealing folkloric horror in the form of orthodox and melodic black metal rooted entirely in the 90s.

 

Each of the tracks on the album is like a classic sample from an old melodic black metal album, but it also offers more than that. Composed in a very subtle manner, varying in tempo from slow to prestissimo, the songs are fluid and incorporate both harsh  vocals and clean chants in some parts, evoking a bewitching pagan energy and a whiff of that specific folk vibe familiar for the genre.

 

In addition – Grond is bringing out his full potential behind the drums – the rhytm he sets is in itself some type of a landmark in the title, so pay close attention when you have the chance to hear it.
The beautiful ethereal synths and melodic breaths of air in the pieces are the other cherry – quite unobtrusive and selected with great care, these moments give a special atmosphere to the record.

 

I can’t hide my pleasure when I saw the title „Witch of Prague“ among the song  titles, too. The book „The Witch of Prague“ by Frances Marion Crawford, dating back to 1890, showcases one of the most beautiful folk horrors ever written in the world. To hear a musical interpretation of the story in two whole parts is intriguing, and I dare say that Old Forest manage to provoke that serene moment of being  immersed back in time  – a feeling we all enjoy to experience while  listening to a favorite album.

 

Stitched with the mystery of folkloric horror and the mystery of the Middle Ages, ‘Sutwyke’ is an album with strong  character that will absorb  you into its own orb of energy. Melodic and authentic, with many interesting nuances to follow, the record unfolds before the listener a fasctinating story  –  captivating with its cold melancholy and awakening moments. A story that will haunt the soul for  a long time like a ghost, reminding of the unique experience.

 

    Score : 10/10

 

Artist: Old Forest
Album: „Sutwyke“
Release date: 31.03.2023
Label: Soulseller Records (http://www.soulsellerrecords.com)
Order link: https://soulsellerrecords.bandcamp.com 

 

 

You can hear the first track from the album now , “ Faust Recants (Satan Cometh)“: