Mystic Forest - Romances (2004)

I can remember it was back sometime in 2005 that I first heard this album and it was through this recording (as well as recent releases from Sin Origin and Hellveto) I had a revival of interest in black metal music after largely giving up on the genre for reasons I don't even recall any longer.

Anyway, Mystic Forest is more or less the solo project of French composer/multi instrumentalist Stefan Kozak (with some assistance from Baalberith & Claire Guillot) that has been around since 1997 and to date has three demos and four full length albums available. Stefan’s sound is somewhere along the lines of black metal meets classical music; think grim high caliber speedy black metal with razor sharp melodic guitars, throat lacerating black metal cry’s, brutal drumming, piano, symphonic synths, accordions, flutes and you’ll have somewhat of an idea as to what this impressive entity known as Mystic Forest sounds like. The album has somewhat of a raw feeling present to it, yet everything remains audible and loud. Most of the recording consists of speedy, raw, however melodic black metal playing and occasionally the band slows down to more mid-pace giving the album more breathing room. Even further interesting the album features interludes written by Frederic Chopin, but naturally played by Stefan (no sampling here).

The flutes are probably one of the most outstanding aspects of this release since there played at a fast pace moving right along with the guitars. And Stefan’s skills as a guitarist really are impressive to. This guy creates some highly melodic riffs and excellent solos that will simply leave you breathless. The other two members Baalberith and Claire’s contributions are small, but certainly note worthy. Baalberith handles the lyrics, which are almost completely in French while Claire adds her voice to a few of the songs. When all is combined we are treated to one very dark, dreamy, surreal, beautifully violent recording that can only be called, ‘Romances.’

It's been six years since this albums release and other than a demo compilation last year, Mystic Forest has remained silent, although Stefan has kept busy with his band Eikenskaden (later 'The Skaden'). Hopefully a new album will emerge someday, but when this many years are spread apart from a release its all very hard to say. Nevertheless I will definitely continue to enjoy this recording.