Dark Forest – Dawn Of Infinity (2011)

Here’s the thing. In the morass of harsh modern heavy metal, abounding with grimy death vocals and little melody, it takes a lot, more than a sense of history, to deliver classic melodic heavy metal. This is especially so if you want to invoke and play the seminal and inspired New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) style (that inspired many youngsters to pick up a Fender). Honestly, Birmingham’s Dark Forest nails it. On their second release, Dawn of Infinity, they secure their position in this grand tradition.

Okay, Dark Forest gets it, if you didn’t get my point in the last paragraph. With early Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, among others, I was weaned on this classic metal. With twin guitars, a solid and supportive rhythm section, and soaring and clean vocals, Dark Forest are reincarnations of their forefathers, and without apology. The Tor, Sieze the Day, and Deadly Premonition are magnificent interpretations of the genre. They border on genius, if not clever homage. Through the Glass Darkly exceeds expectations. Echoing the best of Maiden, the arrangement offers elements both epic and speedy, both heavy and entertaining. Black Delta echoes this description. If you’ve guessed I’m impressed, then you would be correct. But, allow me to add this caveat: though a fan of the genre, there is a slight bit of redundancy here. Thankfully, each song has significant merit, thanks to the talented musicianship, to put Dark Forest in the realm of better classic metal bands.

I know that Dark Forest does not meet the standards of current metal fashion. (And that’s a very good thing.) Frankly, if they feel unappreciated, I understand. God forgive us for not including some sense of melody and harmony in our heavy metal music. Once more, Dark Forest gets it! For pure and true heavy metal Dark Forest is the real deal. Accept no substitutes.

01. Hourglass
02. Lightyears On
03. The Green Knight
04. Seize The Day
05. The Tor
06. Through A Glass Darkly
07. The Stars My Destination
08. Under The Greenwood Tree
09. Black Delta
10. Deadly Premonition

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