UK’s Dark Forest, as those who read these pages will know, I am a big fan of this group. This five track EP encounters lyrical themes based on nature and landscape. The artwork was handled by Christian Horton himself (founding member, vocalist/guitarist), taking a nod back to the bands early days. Over a period of reflection and pandemic downtime, the band have rekindled themselves, developed their art and crafted more majestic, melodic, memorable metal tunes in the vein of traditional metal, with an ever present British twist.
Opener ‘Skylark’ is melodic, expansive in musical terms by way of dual guitars accompanied by a stellar arrangement. Precision is notable here, I know the artist maybe a fan, it’s not a like for like, but they craft and quality is akin to classic Maiden release (pre ’88!). As I have found, each release from Dark Forest becomes a natural stepping-stone. For ‘Skylark’, I do like the switch at the 6-minute mark, which moves into the tracks fadeout, it is special. ‘The Golden Acre’ centres around nature, the catchy hooks amongst the melodies, by now a true trademark of the band, still holds high in admiration from myself. The EP title track ‘Ridge & Furrow’ is a touch more subdued. This presents itself a little lower in register; this allows you to hear the instrumental mastery at work. There is a nice harmonizing touch on the higher notes, that may take to you a place, and then you are guided by the following seamless guitar work that is displayed. On this track in particular, I really do feel a connection with nature, it’s quite encapsulating and takes you as the listener along for the journey. That is pure song writing genius. ‘Meadowland’ is a sedate instrumental piece, it includes some melodies from former tracks of this release and the bird song included at the end of the track does take you to tranquil autumn evenings watching the sun fade out. ‘Under the Greenwood Tree’ is a recording from the ‘Dawn of Infinity’ album. I had to double take on this, as I didn’t read the PR material, so I had to check!
Having followed on from the footprints of ‘Oak, Ash & Thorn’, ‘Ridge & Furrow’ delivers an awesome EP of British Metal. The bands skill and song arranging craft has made a remarkable step up, it happens on all their releases to be fair, but this one really stood out. Dark Forest, are at the top of their game, they have stayed well away from trends and done their own thing, this has worked out perfectly. To be an artist of individual qualities is key and Dark Forest’s core values are strong and true. All right, they should be massive; I have been saying that since 2007! Perhaps we will see. Swig some ale, think of ages past, immerse yourself in nature, this EP encapsulates all these traits and perfectly represent the green and pleasant land that they reside.
(9/10 Paul Maddison)
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