Finsterforst is German folk-metal band with lyrical
themes that linger around nature, fantasy,
philosophy and myths. Their name translates to "Dark
forest" in German and is a reference to "Schwarzwald"
meaning black forest - a mountain range situated in
the band's homestead. Simon Schillinger (lead
guitar), David Schuldis (rhythm guitar) and
Cornerlius "Wombo" Heck (drums) are also active
members of the black metal band, Cryptic Forest.
"Mach Dich Frei" or Free Yourself is the 4th
full-length album of Finsterforst. Just like its
predecessors, this one also procures lengthy songs.
For instance the last song "Finsterforst" concludes
the rest of the album with almost 24 minutes of
sitting.
The length of their songs and the similarity of
compositions are reasons why they were often
compared to Moonsorrow and were seen as clones, most
especially in "... zum tode hin" in my opinion.
Simon Schillinger after all admitted that Moonsorrow
has helped shape the band's sound. I don't believe
it is a bad thing either, although, this time around
"Mach Dich Frei" takes a slightly different path.
Some songs are rather slow and are more somber.
There are more dramatic and darker effects here but
less accordion and flute. Perhaps more black metal
and modern than the expected Finsterforst sound.
This new release adds a little twist to the identity
of the band. It proves that they are capable of
reinventing themselves without the use of the same
previous formulas. This album makes the effort of
sounding different in a good way, by far their most
unique work.
