Mach Dich Frei
Finsterforst
•
February 18, 2015

Behold, I bring tidings of greatness and Metal, for it is with great joy that I announce to you fine Metal people the release of "Mach Dich Frei", FINSTERFORST's latest creation! Slated for January/February 2015, I feel that this is highly-anticipated and after listening to it, I can say that it was worth the wait. "Mach Dich Frei" is a legitimate heavyweight in the circles of Pagan Metal. It brings with it power and a diverse listening experience. Even the music video for the title track incorporates a traditional, natural setting where the band is playing juxtaposed to the hustle and bustle of modern life in an urban setting. It does so to demonstrate the contrast between the two, all while unfolding a visible storyline surrounding the subject in the video.
Musically speaking, this is absolutely the same caliber of material with which their fans are familiar: serious, Pagan Metal with a hint of classical influences and samples of more traditional folk instruments. I can definitely stand behind the style of vocals common with bands in this realm (think: BATHORY, TURISAS, SONS OF CROM), since the harsh singer in conjunction with epic battle choirs seem to will the listener into a mental preparedness for battle. The full-sized songs are absolutely massive (with the longest being "Finsterforst" at nearly twenty-four minutes long) and the shorter songs serve merely as interludes.
I can't help but to appreciate the hints of other Metal subgenres present throughout the album. At times (particularly in "Zeit Far Hass" as well as the last song) I heard music with characteristics of Black Metal, Folk Metal, and the ambiguously so-called Viking Metal. Whatever their influences, they have more than held true to their honor in maintaining a consistent and recognizable style that has been present throughout the course of their discography.
Lyrically speaking, I have no idea what is being said since the lyrics are recorded in their native tongue of German. That being said, they leave no stone unturned when it comes to getting that mix of vocals wherewith to convey the words in a manner fitting of the music.
I have no reservations in giving this album such high marks, as the quality is evident and pervasive, from beginning to end. There is no shortage of glorious Metal on "Mach Dich Frei" and fans past and present will join the fans to be made by FINSTERFORST doing what they do best: bringing Black Forest Metal to the waiting ears of the world!
9 / 10
Almost Perfect

"Mach Dich Frei" Track-listing:
1. Abfahrt
2. Schicksals End
3. Zeit Far Hass
4. Im Auge Des Sturms
5. Mach Dich Frei
6. Mann Gegen Mensch
7. Reise Zum
8. Finsterforst
Finsterforst Lineup:
Oliver Berlin - Vocals
Johannes Joseph - Accordion, Clean Vocals
Tobias Weinreich - Bass
Cornelius "Wombo" Heck - Drums
Sebastian "AlleyJazz" Scherrer - Keyboards
David Schuldis - Rhythm Guitars
Simon Schillinger - Lead,- Rhythm Guitars, Acoustic Guitars
More results...