This is the second album from US black metallers Azathoth’s Dream.
Solitary Forest Necromancy contains 36 minutes of 90s synth-heavy atmospheric black metal. If the classic, atmosphere-rich blackend style is to your taste, then this is for you. Me? I really like this.
Azathoth’s Dream’s music is raw and old-school, dealing in synths, vampiric might, mood-rich darkness, and dark ambient layers. Solitary Forest Necromancy is an album almost tailor-made to appeal to yours truly. Steeped in the 90s, awash with esoteric auras, adorned with a cloak of darkness, vibrant with melodic melancholy, and riven through with piercing screams, Azathoth’s Dream can’t help but find themselves on my playlist. It all adds up to a thoroughly enjoyable slice of traditional black metal.
The songs are atmospheric and lethal, sharpened to a serrated point that’s enhanced with spectral grandeur. The aggression is cold and arcane, with vicious high pitched screams that attack the airwaves like knives. Despite this, the primary aim of the music is atmospheric; Azathoth’s Dream build mood-focused soundscapes with black metal bite.
The music is well-crafted, with detailing that elevates the material. As just one example, the lead guitar work is frequently a standout asset to the music. Whereas another band might rely on an icy blackened riff that’s powering a particular moment, Azathoth’s Dream frequently take the opportunity to add a lead melody over the top of it that is transformational. This is a band that know how to write quality black metal.
Damn good stuff from Azathoth’s Dream. Solitary Forest Necromancy is an album that’s effortless to fall deeply into if you are partial to this sort of black metal.
Very highly recommended.
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