Falls of Rauros - The Light that Dwells in Rotten Wood (2011)

Falls of Rauros' 2008 effort, 'Hail Wind and Hewn Oak' was my favorite release that year and its since grown to become an album I utterly cherish and will surely take to the grave with me. Brimming with some of most extraordinary melodies and an atmosphere like no other, I never thought these lads from Maine could come close to toppling such an immense effort, but then I heard, 'The Light that Dwells in Rotten Wood' and I still don't really know what to say.

In my own opinion though, FoR has taken Agalloch's spot as the band that's best able to blend acoustics with black metal, post and progressive characteristics with themes of reverence for nature coupled with both hope and loss for the future. Thing is that the melodies within this record are some of the most gorgeous as well as some of the most heart breaking I've ever heard, so much so that I really haven't given this album that many spins since it always effects my mood. Yet, much like post rock music there always seems to be that glimmer of hope within all the melancholy and darkness, sort of letting me know somehow its going to be alright.

The acoustics much like on the bands previous two efforts play a huge role. Often times on their own, such as on the songs, 'Earth's Old Timid Grace' & 'Nonesuch River Chant,' but also often times they are incorporated within FoR brand of post/progressive black metal music, either being layered over the chaos or as intros and breaks within the metal parts. In any case much like the metal riffs they carry that sense of beauty and gloom which I adore. 'The Cormorants Shiver on Their Rocks,' the albums final song, is note worthy since its an alluring instrumental that has both the acoustics, electrics guitars and a piano put to great effort, creating a song that just sort of makes me think of both good and bad memories. Quite powerful stuff.

The albums production is still black metal in character, though it sounds far more massive, wide open and airy, like climbing a mountain or hiking through a forest and breathing in the crisp winter air. The emotion is limitless and so real, during some of the vocal parts so much seems to be put behind the screams, but as I said the melodies are ever so gripping, sad, and yet hopeful in their delivery. The bands ability to write long free flowing progressive tunes that are not boring or predictable is also worthy of note.

At forty four minutes and six songs long, 'The Light that Dwells in Rotten Wood' is really without fault and a worthy successor to their previous efforts. If black metal with acoustics, post and progressive elements and an immense atmosphere with superb song writing is your thing then you definitely wont want to miss out on this fabulous release from Falls of Rauros. Just a fantastic release...