OLD FOREST‘s 8th album since 1998 is a re-affirmation of the band’s purpose and aims, and differs from its predecessor in many ways. “Graveside” embraces a definite primitive and regressive approach to both its writing and recording ; it is a work of deliberate imperfection. From the first notes, it is obviously replete with references both musically and lyrically to those tried & tested themes of Black Metal and horror classics – but always with reverence, and never platitudinous.
“Graveside” is an indulgence in (and of) the most celebrated and earliest “naive” works of such luminaries of the early 90’s scene as Emperor, Satyricon, Dimmu Borgir, Gehenna and others. As such, it shows OLD FOREST‘s willingness to regress back to their roots and once more adopt instinctive and spontaneous composition and recording, whilst casting aside such trivial matters as “innovation” or “perfection”.
Some will say that “Graveside” is an intellectualisation of the moronic in Black Metal, but those who embrace its deliberate imperfections will hear a ferociously honest return to the youthful blasphemy of Black Metal and a rejection of the overtly commercial.
All music written, recorded and produced by OLD FOREST during 2022-2023 at the Bungalow of Mass Destruction, Sutwyke, West Sussex, England. Mastering by Kjetil Ottersen, Vektor Studio, Drammen, Norway. Cover artwork: “The Moonlit Churchyard Of Stoke Poges” by Unknown artist, 1870.
Buy CD, LP & Digital Album: World: https://soulsellerrecords.bandcamp.com
Americas: http://soulsellerrecords.aisamerch.com