Dark Forest is a heavy metal band from England formed in 2002 by Christian Horton (Guitar/ Vocals) and releasing their debut self-titled LP in 2009. The sophomore album Dawn of Infinity was the first release with Cruz del Sur Music and the only one with singer Will Lowry-Scott. It was 2014's The Awakening that got excellent reviews and also debuted the current vocalist Josh Winnard. The line-up is completed by Pat Jenkins (Guitar) and Adam Sidaway (Drums). The band currently doesn't feature a bass player as an official member. Dark Forest have drawn inspiration from "the rich legacy of legend and folklore and the unconquerable and enduring spirit of their homeland".
Four years in the making and Oak, Ash & Thorn is finally here. I'd describe Dark Forest's sound as a more tamed version of Iron Maiden's as it doesn't get too big and operatic. Instead the band focuses on medieval folklore and 'forests atmosphere'. Within this frame, it reminds me more of the melancholy and darkness of The X Factor album. Listen to "Avalon Rising" and you will understand it. The guitarwork is very influenced by Maiden: higher note riffs with twin guitars are constantly utilized. The vocalist Josh Winnard sounds like an young Tobias Sammet (e.g. "Relics") but he does not exaggerate on the high notes. The vocal style gives Dark Forest's sound a more contained vibe.
The short intro song "Ælfscyne" get things started and it's an important piece of music to get us into the folklore and forest feel. It leads us into the intro riff of "Wayfarer's Eve", an uptempo catchy 5-min anthem. It gets even better with the next tracks "The Midnight Folk", "Relics" (probably my album favorite) and "Avalon Rising". Those tracks follow the same groundwork set but are all even more captivating. This all leads us to the epic 12-min title track. Before wrapping things up with the instrumental "Heart of the Rose", we are blessed with the folk-ish "The Woodlander" and the anthemic "Eadric's Return". In sum, there are no bad songs or fillers, the album flows very well and cohesively. The production is ok but it does lead to my only complain. As I write this review on May the 4th, I'l summarize it with a Darth Vader meme "I find your lack of bass disturbing". It a small price to pay in order to enjoy such a good album.
While not completely original, the sound created by Dark Forest is magical and adventurous. Oak, Ash & Thorn is a well crafted and executed album creating soaring epic melodies with just enough power to limit them going into cheesy territory. It all comes down to impeccable songwriting which makes all the difference. Certainly the best traditional/power metal album of the year so far.
SCORE: 83/100
Genre: Heavy Metal
Released by Cruz Del Sur Music on April 24th, 2020
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Rating System*
99 - 100 Perfect
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
81 - 86 Very Good
75 - 80 Good
66 - 74 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad
* adapted on May 4th, 2020 due to statistical review
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