Now available once again on LP and CD, this 1996 classic has been fully restored with a beautifully re-imagined layout. The release includes separate booklets featuring original handwritten lyrics, and the audio has been meticulously re-mastered to bring out every detail. Officially released by Ragnarok Records and distributed globally by ASRAR, this is the definitive and only official version—beware of inferior bootlegs!
Forest’s self-titled debut album encapsulates the raw, atmospheric intensity that defines Russian black metal while weaving in distinct folk influences and a hypnotic, primal energy. Formed by Kaldrad of Branikald in 1994, Forest quickly established a signature style that’s equal parts dark mysticism and untamed ferocity. This album showcases the early foundation of the band's sound, which, while stark and unadorned, hints at the depth and intricacy they would later achieve.
Opening with "As a Shade Above This Land," Forest introduces listeners to a sound that feels both ancient and immediate. The track’s minimalistic riff structure and relentless blast beats create a hauntingly repetitive atmosphere, evoking the shadows of dense, untouched woods. The tonal consistency here is less about variety and more about immersion, drawing listeners into a somber yet majestic auditory landscape. By the time the album reaches "The Flames and the Ash Before Horizons Opened Wide," Forest shifts to a slightly more melodic approach. The lighter, melancholic riffs enhance the atmosphere, adding grandeur to the mix while staying true to their unpolished roots.
The real highlight, however, lies in the bonus material, particularly with tracks like "Winterhowl" and "Howling Wind." "Winterhowl" stands out for its folk-inspired clean guitar lines and Kaldrad’s chilling vocal delivery, which goes from bleak whispers to harrowing shrieks. These vocals, combined with the acoustic passages, give the track a uniquely haunting quality, as if listeners are wandering deeper into an eerie, twilight landscape. The closing track, "Howling Wind," is simplicity perfected. With an acoustic guitar playing a sorrowful melody and Kaldrad's ethereal chants, it leaves a lingering emotional resonance, embodying a raw beauty that speaks to the heart of Forest’s music.
While Forest’s compositions in this album are straightforward and repetitive, this approach works in their favor, capturing the essence of solitude and reverence for nature that permeates their work. There’s a hypnotic quality to the cyclical riffs and unembellished production, which amplifies the album’s unyielding, primordial energy. If you’re seeking a raw, atmospheric black metal experience with a strong folk undertone, Forest’s debut delivers a timeless exploration of the dark, mystical spirit of Russian landscapes.
