A Forest of Stars – The Corpse of Rebirth

Releasedate: 2008; Label: Transcendental records
By: Sabine van Gameren

A fairly new band called A Forest of Stars came to attention of Tempelores. The make black metal with doom influences and are coming from the UK. The band formed in 2007 and the release “The Corpse of Rebirth” is their debut album.

The album holds five songs, shortest one is about ten minutes. The story of the band isn’t simple and it is hearable in the music. Ambiance and atmosphere are main points here but, for some of the songs, it might take a bit too long. An unconcentrated listener might lose interest rather quick. That Black Metal is not taken into its stereotype might come clear by reading the songtitles such as “God”, “Female”, “Male” etc.
A violin is used in this music on places where various others would use a guitar and this softens the total outcome. In fact, the violin is driving the music of A Forest of Stars.

It is to say that the band chooses an experimental approach, but I doubt how many will enjoy it. It simply come to the point that there will be two camp: the ones who embrace it and the one who hate it. For me it is not completely sure on which side I am in. The long songs are just too long, too much of the same, too less variance to my taste. The experimental element and the ambiance interest me so let’s say I go for a small embrace to wait and see how this band develops.

Line Up:
Mister Curse – Vocals
Katheryne, Queen of the Ghosts – Violin, Flute, Vocals
The Gentleman – Synths, Pianoforte, Drums
Mr T.S. Kettleburner – Guitar, Bass, Vocals

Tracklist: 1. God 2. Female 3. Male 4. Earth and Matter 5. Microcosm

Links:
A Forest of Stars MySpace
A Forest of Stars Official