Year: 2022
Total Time: 36:23
Label: Season Of Mist
Eight years have passed since the release of “As The Stars” by WOODS OF DESOLATION, a record that followed the steps of ALCEST and DEAFHEAVEN, the pioneers of this genre. During this period, D. (the mastermind and only member of the band) let the time flow, to deal with other projects such as REMETE and UNFELL. Finally he shaped in his mind how he will make new music with WOODS OF DESOLATION and here we are with “The Falling Tide”! The naturalistic elements gave way to more philosophical musings where these were used as an exploration of ideas related to spirituality and the possibility of an afterlife provided an impetus to the creative process…
“The Falling Tide” as a release does not last long, with the six compositions included (one of which is instrumental), it is not boring nor flat, an important element for a blackgaze post album. With the very beginning of “Far From Here” charming melodies under the characteristic tremolo that tries to coexist with aggression and maturity. D.’s screams do not belong to the Black Metal repertoire, they also evolve from “pitch-y” ones to anguished anger-infused shouts, with this being another interesting element. The gallop of “Beneath The Sea Of Stars” with guest Vlad from DRUDKH is the main component of the melancholy but also the fervor you feel on a bend sheltered from the merciless snowstorm. Together with the song “Illumination” with its intense blastbeats and the underlying melodies, they “close” the first dynamic and aggressive part of the album.
The second triad of songs, being more emotional, although it starts in a pure “Norwegian” way, nevertheless it belongs in the post metal fields with the use of keys becoming more intense and the climax of the instrumental composition “The Passing” which acts as a bench to sit and rest from your journey. The final song “Anew” also gives an intense closing to the album. Unlike other Australians extreme bands, WOODS OF DESOLATION take a different approach embracing beauty and elegance with long passages and a bright aura. The production by D. himself sounds a bit muddy and hazy, it could perhaps be more polished and the layers hidden in the background could be more highlighted…
But there are also my objections and those consist mainly in the matter of originality and evolution. I don’t see that big steps have been taken in “The Falling Tide” comparing to “As The Stars”, let alone “Torn Beyond Reason”. It seems that the so-called comfort zone has been found, a space in which the band can move safely. There is no originality here, almost everything has been heard before in other bands of the genre. What makes the difference here is the will to touch emotions, converting them from sound to images. That’s what WOODS OF DESOLATION do well! I would describe “The Falling Tide” as an excellent mix of emotions caused by the beauty of life and the sadness of its loss…
Rating: 6.5/10
Editor: Dimos Karadimos
Related Link: WOODS OF DESOLATION – Facebook Page
