Sombres Forêts was formed back in 2005 as the solo project of one, Annatar, from Quebec, Canada and quickly he produced a demo in early 2006 and at the end of 2006 the debut album, ‘Quintessence’ was released. Admittedly I did enjoy the debut quite a bit, though I really don't think I could call myself a fan of this project until two years later when, 'Royaume De Glace' was unveiled. Sombres Forêts (that's 'Dark Forests' in the French language FYI) music is a cunning mixture of raw black metal with depressive funeral doom characteristics that could possibly be compared to bands like Burzum, Nargaroth, Abyssic Hate and Xasthur, though I fully believe Annatar stands firm ground as a unique composer in the black metal underground.
When listening to this guys music the listener is driven downward in a misanthropic assault through slow creepy raw guitar riffs, poignant synths and acoustic guitars as Annatar’s bloodcurdling cold screams guide you on a path through misanthropy and melancholy. As I listen I can hear a soul that’s truly tortured by his own existence and one that longs for salvation from this wretched world and perhaps a cleansing of the human race. His music carries such a chilly hypnotic pace to it and with all the riffs sharing a rather dark character this really makes for some excellent music to listen to during the dark months of winter, which oddly haven't quite shown their faces 'round my neck of the woods just yet, but surely when they do I'll be pulling this album out again.
It's true that this second release from Annatar does fall into the same sort of genre as the debut although this time around the production sounds fairly better, there are more acoustic guitars added and the synths seem even darker and atmospheric. Although impressive on the debut, another improvement is certainly Annatar's vocals as they sound much more painful and emotional, especially on the songs with French lyrics. To find a truly great black metal vocalist these days is always tough since most singers just sound like Nocturno Culto or Legion, but then again there are some unique voices out there and Annatar is definitely one of the finest I've heard in the past couple of years. Its also worth noting that the guitar work all around is vastly improved and even contains some cleaner guitar parts that sound just fantastic.
In the end you opinion may differ as to which Sombres Forêts album is better, but what I can tell you is that this is one band you really need to check out, be it the debut or this excellent and improved sophomore release.
During 2009 and most of out current year Annatar was busy with his side-project, Miserere Luminis, which is a collaborative project with Neptune and Icare of Gris, but I've heard that 2011 should bring a new Sombres Forêts release, which I'll definitely be interested in hearing.
Great review Joe, I could not agree more with you about pretty much everything but especially what you say about Annatar's chilling and emotionally charged vocals, and this release being an improvement (big in my opinion) over the first one. And if this progression is any indication, the next album should be even better. Now, add to the fact that Annatar gained much artistic maturity while working on Miserere Luminis project the new album should be nothing short but awesome.
ReplyDelete