Typically band names tend to lure me if worded appropriately and the name “Dark Forest” was no exception. Drawing influence and relatable sounds from some of the big names in the Power metal scene, I dove head first into this album that I had high hopes for. Out of The UK, Power/Folk metallers, Dark Forest, recently released their latest album titled, Beyond The Veil. Well over an hour of play, there are other elements that captivate the listener such as progressive and melodic components, medieval remnants, epic moments and so much more. Their last album, The Awakening, released two years ago, seemed to have been a hit with the masses and put them on a much bigger spotlight that the release of this album was a must. In regards to their latest album, there seems to be this magic, this attractive might that is imposed in a good way. In fact, the album is quite the opposite of their name as I couldn’t really find any dark moments or elements throughout the multiple listens I went through, not to mention the occasional song sneaking its way into my mind at random points throughout the week. If you’re a fan of lengthy tracks also, you’ll be pleased to hear that many of the tracks revolve around the seven-minute mark in addition to the final near fourteen-minute trek the album ends on. Beyond The Veil, is for fans of Helloween, Kamelot, Blind Guardian and bands in similar realms.
The album certainly has a lot of unexpected moments behind its veil and a good example to check out would be, Where The Arrow Falls. Very melodic, majestic vocals and comes in with a glorious and anthemic tune to it. This track almost makes one want to go into war while the solo also creates such battle-like atmospheres. A personal favorite, Earthbound, gets heavier than most of the album. Galloping style riffs takeover the track, the lyrical portion could not get any more synonymous with power metal. The track starts out suspenseful, a great hook, eventually building up momentum to where the drums and double bass become fast paced, the guitars get more in your face, shredding solos, blast beats, harmonic pieces, it almost felt like Iron Maiden released a new track.
Too add further variety to the veil, there are a few instrumental only tracks such as Lunantishee and Ellylldan that float around the one-minute mark, meanwhile Mên-An-Tol, also instrumental, is at a pleasant play-time of six and a half minutes. There’s just something that bands excel in when it comes to instrumental only tracks, sometimes those tracks sound better than most of the album and I think that claim applies this time around as well. I don’t think it gets any more epic than the final track, where everything ties in and closes the album. Coming in at just under fourteen-minutes, The Lore Of The Land, is what one would expect initially. Flutes, wind instruments, acoustics and a calm atmosphere before the storm. It’s not until minutes into the track, where the riffs really get down to business and headbanging territories arrive. If you think, that’s tasty, wait until the breakdown arrives! The last couple of minutes are the most intense, combine the killer guitars with the keys/effects and wind instruments and eargasms get triggered. I can’t even imagine what this track, let alone the album, sounds in a live atmosphere.
For fans of the NWOBHM, Folk, Power and Progressive metal will certainly feel at ease and have no difficulty digesting this album. With cleans vocals also in the mix, it surely makes this album epic in some senses too. If you are interested in traveling to medieval times, the sound justifies that era. There is undoubtedly a positive response to this album, so hopefully this encourages Dark Forest, to go forth and conquer…or create their next album, whatever angle you want to look at it. Though the album does not have insane speed metal style sounds or blast beats, the progression and temperament is on par with bands from the NWOBHM. Nonetheless, a solid album for fans of the aforementioned genres/elements, this is one of those bands that you know you’ll love or not love. I’m sure it won’t be long before we hear more great news from Dark Forest. Stay Metal \m/
Beyond The Veil: 8/10
Official Website: http://www.darkforest.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Darkforestuk/
The Metal Alchemy 