Review FINSTERFORST “Still”

Finsterforst are from Freiburg, Germany, and formed in 2004. Their debut album, Weltenkraft, was released in 2007, and the artwork reflected the band’s sound quite well. The Black Forest is located close to Freiburg and is a popular destination for outdoor activities and recreation. At the same time, the region carries a certain mystical atmosphere, which Finsterforst have incorporated into their musical identity.

The band describes their style as “Black Forest Metal,” a term that reflects both their connection to black metal influences and the mysterious elements within their sound. Their music can be compared to rays of sunlight breaking through a dark forest, bringing us back to the imagery of their debut album cover.

Over the past years, Finsterforst have established themselves within the German metal scene, and they now return with Still, their sixth studio album.

While black metal influences are present, the connection to extreme metal is rather limited. Instead, Still is built around a combination of folk, metal, and post-metal elements. The album also includes “Fels,” a dramatic acoustic track that adds another dimension to the overall sound.

The album opens with “Obduktion,” a track where heavy riffs meet a dark atmosphere. It is a slow but intense beginning before “Herbstwanderung” creates the feeling of a soundtrack for an autumn walk through the foggy depths of the Black Forest.

With “Im Wind” and “Leere,” the album features two central pieces that stand out due to their length. “Im Wind” is a grand composition with choir-like vocals and a running time of more than ten minutes. The band’s black metal roots occasionally surface, but the song’s moderate pace gives it a more hypnotic character. “Leere” follows a similar path but, with a duration of 24 minutes, is structured in a different way. Here, Finsterforst present their full songwriting vision. With additional layers, a dense atmosphere, and epic elements, “Leere” is anything but empty. Carefully placed breaks add the necessary depth and variety to the track.

The album closes with two cover versions, starting with Immortal’s “Beyond the North Waves.” Finsterforst give the song a different sonic approach that works well within their style. The second cover is a more unexpected choice. Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall Part II” has been transformed into a darker post-metal version with heavy rhythmic riffs. It is certainly an unusual interpretation, and covering Pink Floyd is not an easy task. Only a few bands, such as Voivod, have managed to create truly distinctive versions of their songs.

With Still, Finsterforst continue their musical journey through the mysterious landscapes of the Black Forest, approaching their craft with commitment and dedication. They are not wandering through a forest of riffs without direction; instead, they follow a clear path guided by their own musical compass. Fans of their previous releases will likely also find plenty to appreciate on Still — an album that benefits from being played at a higher volume.