ALBUM REVIEW: Zerfall – Finsterforst

If you haven’t heard of Germany’s own FINSTERFORST then you really need to ask yourself where you have been these past few years. Combining epic pagan metal along the lines of MOONSORROW and FINNTROLL with gritty, blackened foundations it’s no wonder they are converting the masses to their unique brand of metal. Having taken a leap in 2016 to create their stylistic intermezzo album #YØLØ, the band return to fundamentals to develop their roots with their latest release Zerfall.

Intensified with dramatic orchestration, Wut is not merely a song – it is a musical journey that takes you to the deepest core of what FINSTERFORST excel at before rebranding it with masterful layers of choir laden delight. Beautiful post black metal that bounces off a shield-wall of epic bombardments; it’s a truly impressive development of their fierce identity. As anthemic as it is mature Zerfall retains rawness while emboldening everything with unrelenting chants similar to that of MOONSORROW.

Classic characteristics like savage vocals and folky keyboards are not forgotten about, in fact they are polished to such an extent it will be difficult to raise the bar beyond what this album already achieves. This is FINSTERFORST at their best and clearly on top of their game. Fluch des Seins dominates you with distinctive melody that never treads too far from the rhythmic onslaught black metal often exudes. The composition of the album never stops pummelling you with surprises and non-stop epicness. The choir vocals are intense and sound like a legion of victorious heathen warriors – It is certainly a contender for their pièce de résistance as no stone is left unturned.

Weltenbrand keeps the intensity spiking with master crafted arrangement before FINSTERFORST throw everything they have at you in their half hour long epic Ecco Homo. The end result is an inspiring saga similar to the delivery of bands like WINTERSUN and MOONSORROW who forge lengthy tracks that never lose your attention or appreciation. Almost an album in itself, the crescendo of majestic musicianship rebounds gracefully between ancestral tones and astonishing architecture. It’s crafted beautifully and displays each musicians prowess as well as the bands ability to use each others skills to conjure an album that will stand the test of time.

Whether it’s the haunting vocals or the persistent displays of raw talent it is no doubt that Zerfall is the most immersive and impressive album ever to come from FINSTERFORST. Infused with maturity and emboldened with dramatic orchestration it rises beyond your expectations and takes you on an indulgent journey through what seems like a rebirth of an already successful band. Fans of FINNTROLL, MOONSORROW and WINTERSUN need Zerfall in their lives. It needs to be heard to be appreciated and will not disappoint those of you thirsty for a new favourite band.

Rating: 10/10 

Zerfall is set for release August 2nd via Napalm Records. 

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