OPHIDIAN FOREST is a transatlantic Progressive Black Metal band that was formed in 2006 and have released four full-length albums and two split releases with other associated acts. Earlier albums were rawer, chaotic and lo-fi, but since 2008's fourth album "VotIVe" they presented both a line-up change as well as a change of musical direction (much to their benefit).  The current members of OPHIDIAN FOREST are located in the United States and the Netherlands. "Tales of Doom and Ignorance" is the band's fifth album. They present more elaborate and musically Progressive ideas in forward thinking Black Metal territory. The album contains five tracks.

"Inundation" is the first cut; a 14-minute opus. Following some opening murky tones, the drums pick up, and then the Black Metal riff hits. You can clearly hear the bass guitar notes, and the vocals are somewhere between gutturals and shrieks. A harrowing ambiance is being developed in the steady pacing of the song. At the half-way mark, the sound changes. Keys lightly dance in the shadows that pass before your eyes. Then, the previous sound returns through the end. "Plagues" features a similar, but perhaps more complicated and chaotic sound. It settles into a mesmerizing groove, and towards the middle, much of the sound drops, and we are left with cold winds for a few bars. A third change brings a more traditional Metal sound to the table.

"Radiation" brings a slower, and deeper groove to the album. I don't necessarily hear many Progressive elements per se, but they do present some diversity. For example, the electronic elements here are quite a surprise. "Earth Force" hears a return to a more traditional Black Metal sound, but now I can hear the Progressive elements, in the form of an odd cadence. This song has a strange, intriguing sound, that is both bone cold on the outside, but alive in the middle. The unusual songwriting of the band is starting to take shape. "Drought" closes the album. In keeping with the theme of originality, Death approaches, riding on his black steed. He rides magnanimously, and people drop instantly as he passes. He strolls through slowly, and disappears into the distance.

It took a few listens to fully understand the album, and I would recommend that you do the same. The depth is there, it's just a bit clouded. Peel back the layers slowly, and take your time. You will discover new elements with each new listen. I have to say, as the album continued on, I liked it more and more. This isn't your dad's Black Metal, but rather an inventive take on the genre. I will very much look forward to what the band has in store next.Purchase Link:

https://ophidianforest.bandcamp.com/