On St Valentine's Day 2014, Australian Woods of Desolation, one of the most important depressive black metal acts, released their latest album As the Stars. For this album Woods of Desolation refreshed the line-up; mastermind D. was joined by three prominent musicians: Balam of Nazxul and Drowning the Light on bass and Old of Drohtnung and K.F.R. on vocals from the Australian scene; on drums Vlad of Ukrainian band Drudkh was hired.
Compared to the previous Torn Beyond Reason, the depressive element has been alleviated in favour of a more evocative and ethereal atmosphere. Sometimes, as in “Unfold”, one can see post-rock influences in the style of French Alcest. Echoes of a contemplative feeling in the mood of Cascadian black metal, for example Wolves in the Throne Room and Deafheaven are also audible. In a few songs, this contemplativeness blends in with a deeply depressive atmosphere that can remind of German ColdWorld; the instrumental “Anamnesis” is a good example: this song is a kind of a synthesis of all the elements and influences of the album. At the same time one cannot help but notice that some of the melodies are a little cloying. The voice of Old is hoarser compared to the screaming pitch of previous singer Tim Yatras, which contributes to the whole atmosphere.
The production and the sound are quite similar to the previous album’s, there are no important innovations from this point of view. A good point in favour of this band is that they have a human drummer; this is undoubtedly a plus compared to most of depressive black metal acts that use drum machines. Another good point is that this album breaks the tradition typical of depressive black metal of songs that last an eternity: seven songs for a total playtime of less than 35
This album is perhaps not as deeply gloomy as Torn Beyond Reason that contained such a wonderful song as “The Inevitable End”, but it will appeal not only to the fans of depressive black metal, but also to the lovers of atmospheric black metal.
Notes:
Release date: February 14 2014 through Northern Silence Productions.
Tracklist:
1. Like Falling Leaves
2. Unfold
3. And If All the Stars Faded Away
4. This Autumn Light
5. Anamnesis
6. Withering Field
7. Ad Infinitum
Personel:
D.:guitars
Guest musicians:
Vlad: drums
Luke Mills: bass
Old: vocals
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
Compared to the previous Torn Beyond Reason, the depressive element has been alleviated in favour of a more evocative and ethereal atmosphere. Sometimes, as in “Unfold”, one can see post-rock influences in the style of French Alcest. Echoes of a contemplative feeling in the mood of Cascadian black metal, for example Wolves in the Throne Room and Deafheaven are also audible. In a few songs, this contemplativeness blends in with a deeply depressive atmosphere that can remind of German ColdWorld; the instrumental “Anamnesis” is a good example: this song is a kind of a synthesis of all the elements and influences of the album. At the same time one cannot help but notice that some of the melodies are a little cloying. The voice of Old is hoarser compared to the screaming pitch of previous singer Tim Yatras, which contributes to the whole atmosphere.
The production and the sound are quite similar to the previous album’s, there are no important innovations from this point of view. A good point in favour of this band is that they have a human drummer; this is undoubtedly a plus compared to most of depressive black metal acts that use drum machines. Another good point is that this album breaks the tradition typical of depressive black metal of songs that last an eternity: seven songs for a total playtime of less than 35
This album is perhaps not as deeply gloomy as Torn Beyond Reason that contained such a wonderful song as “The Inevitable End”, but it will appeal not only to the fans of depressive black metal, but also to the lovers of atmospheric black metal.
Notes:
Release date: February 14 2014 through Northern Silence Productions.
Tracklist:
1. Like Falling Leaves
2. Unfold
3. And If All the Stars Faded Away
4. This Autumn Light
5. Anamnesis
6. Withering Field
7. Ad Infinitum
Personel:
D.:guitars
Guest musicians:
Vlad: drums
Luke Mills: bass
Old: vocals
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com