Finsterforst – Zerfall

Label: Napalm Records
Releasedate: 02-08-2019

Finsterforst is a German pagan/folk metal band. Formed in 2004, the band can be considered as one of the gems in the German pagan/folk metal scene. Their style can be described as ‘black forest metal’. Since the release of the last full-length “Mach dich frei” in 2015 and the interesting EP “#YØLØ” in 2016, the fans had been waiting for the ‘next big thing’… Well, the wait is over and the guys are back with “Zerfall” (meaning decay or breaking apart). Four years have passed and many fans probably asked if this was worth the wait? Well… let’s find out.

“Zerfall” shows Finsterforst taking their style further while following the path of the predecessor “Mach dich frei”. There is a clear development in the band’s sound, songwriting process as well as production. The lyrics are deeper and darker and the overall orchestral arrangements, the biggest highlight and strength of this album, are majestic! These aspects are quite important and very well-thought considering that the shortest song is 8 minutes.

Soundwise, a major highlight is the band experimenting more with post-rock elements in their music. Surely, the standard Finsterforst elements like the accordion or the balance between the harsh vocals and the clean vocals/choirs are still present but the overall sound is more atmospheric and darker, even though the record is dynamic and progressive, which is a nice contrast that is well-crafted in the band’s sound. This also means that we get to experience less folk elements as there is a rather darker BM/post-metal approach.

At this point, I feel like something has to be said about the last song “Ecce Homo” as the band seems to have saved the best for the last. This musical masterpiece lasts more than 30 minutes. Long songs have always been Finsterforst elements but this song is clear proof of all the elements coming together and forming the perfect Finsterforst sound.

So was this worth the wait? Hell yes. “Zerfall” will be definitely beyond your expectations. The songs might be long and even complex but the record flows so easily and does not contain even one boring moment. However, don’t rush with it, let it sink in and enjoy every little highlight and every melody. Recommended to the lovers of pagan/black metal but also to the lovers of post-metal and atmospheric elements!

Line up:

• Oliver Berlin – Vocals
• Tobias Weinreich – Bass
• Cornelius “Wombo” Heck – Drums
• Sebastian “AlleyJazz” Scherrer – Keyboards
• David Schuldis – Rhythm Guitars
• Simon Schillinger – Lead,- Rhythm Guitars & Acoustic Guitars

Tracklist

01. Wut
02. Zerfall (feat. Lars Vogel)
03. Fluch des Seins
04. Weltenbrand
05. Ecce Homo

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