When, 'Forsaken Symphony' was released back in 2002 it largely had the same effect on my that Opeth's, 'Blackwater Park' had on me the previous year. That effect being that I compulsively listened to the damn thing nearly everyday for weeks/months on end until I had more or less memorized every word and detail the release had to offer. Eight years later and this release still remains a true favorite of mine, and at least in my own opinion a genuinely supreme offering of original sounding black metal music.
Sear Bliss was formed back in 1993 by vocalist/bassist András Nagy in Szombathely, Hungary. On this release the band combines raw mid paced black metal with haunting/symphonic/fantasy sounding keyboards and includes the novel usage of a trombone, baritone and tuba in their music.
The brass instruments give the album a sound that’s really not quite like any other I’ve heard before. Sometimes its very dark and haunting, but at other times its very relaxing and mystical sounding. When combined with the keyboards/piano and the scathing black metal sound it creates some of the most overly atmospheric and ethereal sounding black metal ever conceived. Like the brass instruments the keyboards carry stunning dark melodies and also some that are fantasy and very dreamy like. When you listen to this release you feel a number of emotions and considering this is black metal I'd have to say that's pretty immense.
While the production is raw in character and the guitars do have that classic Norwegian chainsaw effect to them they still offer up some great riffs and some of the solos on this beast are just colossal all the way. Of course the keys, brass and vocals do sometimes overlap the guitars, but by no means does it harm this album. András Nagy's bass work is unfortunately not very well heard, but his vocals sort of remind me of Abbath from Immortal, but much more grim and overall way better than anything that Norwegian could hope to pull off. Another interesting thing is his lyrics, which are quite original and I can’t help but think there’s some type of story involved with the lyrics and the album cover.
How about the standout tracks? You probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you this, but honestly there isn’t one bad song on this recording. That’s not something you’ll hear me say that often, but it’s the absolute truth. Although my definite favorites from this album are, ‘My Journey to the Stars’ & ‘The Forsaken.’ Both of these songs utilize the brass instruments to their full potential and I’m quite sure once you hear them you’ll be mesmerized by them as well.
Another nice touch about this album is the artwork, which is just beautiful. From the remarkable cover artwork done by Kris Verwimp (Thyrfing, Crom, Marduk, Dark Fortress, etc.) to the inside booklet artwork which features some very dark looking pieces plus some nice nature photos. Sear Bliss knew right from the start they had a masterpiece on their hands with this one, and they made sure every little thing was perfect.
Eight years later and, 'Forsaken Symphony' absolutely remains as one of my favorite black metal albums and fortunately Sear Bliss continued onwards from this album and created two more stunning albums in 2004 & 2007. If you've never heard this band then definitely consider getting your hands on this release or one of their other albums since each and every single one is fantastic.
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