Firstly I would ask any serious black metal connoisseur to disregard any reviews wherein the reviewer seeks to undermine the music by seeking to ridicule the bands corpsepaint. But then I do console myself with the fact that anybody who is serious about their black metal, who is not merely listening to the latest compromise chosen to grace the glossy pages of Terrorizer, will know that what one should judge a band on, if anything, is not the aesthetic but the atmosphere; that stygian, malleable, essence that twists and pulsates at the heart of all the great black metal tracks. Thankfully, Old Forest conjure such a malign and colossal atmosphere with this opus that I think any personal qualms one might harbour as to the manner of applied corpsepaint shall be lost amid an ocean of atmosphere that rolls and crashes its majestic waves against our last bastion of sanity.
There is, however, much more to this album than simply the music. The ideology behind Old Forest is intelligent, with a rich historical background around which many of the songs are based. Another issue that perhaps needs tackling is the self-proclaimed title of 'Cult'. Do not mistake this proclamation as alike to that made by countless bedroom black metal bands whom use the spelling Kvlt...You know the type I am sure. If you have doubts then listen to some of their music and bathe in the clarity. They are a cult black metal band due to the sound and scarce distribution of material.
The music itself, besides being charged of a powerful atmosphere, clearly reflects the bands influences; early Emperor, old Mayhem, old Burzum, old Darkthrone. Many of the tracks do have that almost autistic, trance-inducing repetitiveness, but on this album Old Forest prove that they are possessed of accomplished musicianship by not simply sticking to this formula. This ensures that the listener does not tire of the tracks and makes each one unique and interesting. I'm not talking 'Fizula' here, but it is just enough to keep things fresh and to engage the mind. Another influence on this band has been Forgotten Woods, and I think that this is a vein that clearly rises to the surface on tracks such as 'Death in the Cemetary' and 'To Haunt the Old Forest'.
I would certainly recommend this band to any serious black metaller, those confident in their own tastes, whose opinions are not swayed and guided by the media; those whom appreciate the sounds of the old school. Honestly, I am surprised at reviews complaining about production quality... I can only assume that these people have not heard any Hellhammer, early Bathory, early Darkthrone, Beherit, etc, etc... But I digress! I would certainly recommend this album and indeed this band, to those who like their black metal raw and atmospheric with that old school sound. Don't take my word for it - the band is offering their first two demos as a free download, so you can experience the unholy trio’s majestic cacophony for yourself!
Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_9ccZEo_5c
