From the frostbitten depths of the underground, Old Forest return with ‘Graveside’, a record that unapologetically resurrects the ancient spirit of second-wave Black Metal. In an era where many bands dilute the genre with excessive polish or Post-Metal experimentation, Old Forest stand firm in the shadows, embracing the raw formula that once defined the genre’s golden age.
What makes ‘Graveside’ compelling is how naturally it channels the prime era of legends such as Darkthrone, Emperor, Enslaved, and even the grandiose darkness of Limbonic Art. Yet this is not mere imitation. Instead, Old Forest absorb those influences like ancient soil feeding old roots, producing a sound that feels both reverent and alive.
The guitars are steeped in that cold, necrotic atmosphere reminiscent of Darkthrone’s early frostbitten works; buzzing, hypnotic, and deliberately primitive. Riffs spiral endlessly, creating the sense of wandering through forgotten burial grounds beneath a moonlit sky. The drumming balances between steady mid-paced marches and traditional blasting assaults, allowing the atmosphere to breathe rather than suffocate beneath constant speed.
At times, the record drifts into the majestic and almost mystical territories once explored by Emperor and early Enslaved. Subtle keyboard layers and distant melodies emerge like spectral echoes across the frozen landscape, giving the music an epic dimension without sacrificing its raw essence. The influence of Limbonic Art can also be felt in certain passages where the atmosphere becomes more cosmic and ritualistic, adding depth to the otherwise grim foundation.
Vocally, the delivery is exactly what such music demands: rasped, venomous incantations that sound as if they are being summoned from beneath centuries of soil. There is no modern theatricality here, only the harsh breath of the grave.
What ultimately defines ‘Graveside’ is its commitment to the correct Black Metal formula. Old Forest understand that true darkness lies in atmosphere, repetition, and mood rather than technical excess. The album feels like a relic unearthed from the mid-90s, something that could comfortably sit beside the early works of Darkthrone or Emperor without feeling out of place.
In a modern Black Metal landscape often obsessed with innovation, ‘Graveside’ proves that preserving the old spirit can still be powerful when executed with conviction. Old Forest do not reinvent the wheel; they simply sharpen its rusted edges and let it roll once more through the graveyard.
For devotees of the ancient craft, ‘Graveside’ is a welcome reminder that the old flame of the underground still burns cold and eternal.
