From Bandcamp, “OLD FOREST's new album “Graveside” is a re-affirmation of the band's purpose and aims, and “Graveside” differs from its predecessor in many ways. The UK trios' 8th album since 1998 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.” The album has eight songs.

“Curse of Wampyr” is first. The opening vocal screams suggest that this is Black Metal, but the backing instruments create a whole different landscape. Instead of the proverbial wall of guitars, there are keyboards, and calculated riffs. It’s a nice change of pace. “Witch Spawn” has slower, more somber tones, and a healthy dose of keyboards. The atmosphere created is quite harrowing. “Solstice Sacrifice” has ominous and powerful tones, and the slow, crawling pace is augmented again with keyboards and clean vocals. Keyboards are one instrument some Black Metal purists don’t like, but I feel they do a good job bringing diversity to the table. “Interment of Ashes” is a shorter instrumental that uses keys in a Dungeon Synth way, further the band’s creativity.

“Decrepit Melancholy” uses a rawer riff and more clean vocals intermixed with the screams. So far, each song has its own identity. It takes a darker, more frightening turn, and you can feel the forest suddenly come alive. “Halfway Human” has heavily accented riffs and ominous tones, and you get the feeling that something lurks behind you, and you don’t want to turn around to find out. The suspense is killing me, and the creature remains hidden. “Soil of the Martyrs” has old school sounding vocals, as well as a bit of Doom in the music. There are also some well played leads in this song. “Forgotten Graves” closes the album, and it leaves a stalwart statement in your mind. Keyboards swirl in the background, giving life to the song.

The album’s strength lies both in its diversity and traditionalism. Its roots go deep in the Black Metal genre, but they are also not afraid to explore, and use some unconventional approaches to songwriting. For a band that has been around since before the turn of the century, I find their music to be fresh, and vital.