FORGOTTEN WOODS – As the Wolves Gather Digi-CD
Norwegian Black Metal classic repressed on a 6 Panels Digipak format.
Every more or less self-respecting metalhead understands the influence Forgotten Woods had rendered on black metal and the significance the band has in the black metal society. They are one of the BM legends, who weren't thinking about money or financial gain while composing their songs of genius. And the debut FW's album is the full confirmation of my words. Raw but very melodic sound is the most interesting, specific thing about this legendary Norwegian band. Also, they were real innovators in that voluminous style called black metal, 'cause nobody before them had written such a music. It is out of any stereotypes or frameworks, "As the Wolves Gather" is just very good stuff.
The medley of raw riffs, excellent melodies, harsh vocals with echoes, and hard basses in the whole is Forgotten Woods. This quartet from South Norway composed really splendid CD, which will remain in the minds of the people for a very long time. Maybe the sound there is not as clear as you wish, but just only the music will relax you so much that then you'll be truly tempted by the greatness of this CD.
"As the Wolves Gather" begins with impressive song "Eclipsed" consisting of two parts: the main monotonous (but not less beautiful from this fact) part and gorgeous guitar solos. It continues with original and epic in some kind but still very dark and melodic "As the Wolves Gather". Coming next "In My Darkest Visions" is more depressive than the other masterpieces, but also with great tuneful moments. Than goes a short fragment named "Winter", that gives you some respite from the cold northern brutality of this perfect full-length. The following song called "Grip Of Frost" strikes your mind with its bass and electric guitars' solos and regular changes of melodies. And I could call this song with the full confidence the best work of Forgotten Woods ever. Next song is as short as "Winter", but it has extremely beautiful guitar passages. And this magnificent album ends with really raw and strong hit "Through Dark and Forgotten Valleys". As a result I could note that the style selected by Forgotten Woods contains in itself a great deal of all BM subgenres.