Review by JD on November 17, 2011.

The UK has been responsible for creating the global force that is called Heavy Metal, for which I know we all thank them for. The NWOBHM seems to be reintroducing itself, as so many bands who are championing the style are coming forth and making new blood for the metal pool. The UK’s Dark Forest is one of those bands that are doing there best to reinvent the power of NWOBHM.

Channelling all of the stars that have built the metal scene in England (Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Saxon etc...) Dark Forest proves that traditional metal is alive and still very much relevant even in the new millennium. With neck twisting rhythms and razor sharp riffs, this proud English band strides proudly intro the metallic forum and really does bring a new energy to each note they produce.

It is in the music that the band shows that this style has not lost one step in its power. Tracks like 'Black Delta' with its distinctive chugging and strong clear vocals, to the power epic 'The Tor' just proves my point, that this music has still has genuineness and relevance aside some of the more extreme ends of metal.

I only think that the vocals could have been mixed a little better on the album, and that is the only weakness on a CD that moves and powers like a Lamborghini going full out on a twenty mile stretch of the Autobahn. Gotta say, this album would be the best album to drive that Lamborghini to. Dark Forest has produced an album that is so very clearly relevant while blowing your mind that it sends us into the headbang pits with extra fire in our bellies.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 7
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.3 out of 10

Review by JD on January 15, 2012.

In the crucible of the melting pot that makes up metal, Naumachia combines some seriously intense Death and Darkened Black Metal with forceful yet melodic keyboards and smatterings of Industrial and Progressive components throughout. They create sonic aura that is hard to ignore. Naumachia is a band that combines all of these varied ideas and forces them into one metallic blast that is so original and powerfuf it stands out.

Out of the nine songs that had been offered up, most are very good but one stuck out as my favorite one. 'Abreaction' is the total package. I am not a fan of keyboards in my music, but if it had to be there - Naumachia has found the perfect way to do it. It is eerie in spots, yet drove the music without taking away from the wall of guitars and nasty vocals. Children Of Bodom need to study this perfect use of the keys... and use it.

Not much left to say but to buy the damn album. It will make a keyboard beliver out of anyone - as long as it is with this band.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8.5
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.3 out of 10

Review by JD on November 17, 2011.

The UK has been responsible for creating the global force that is called Heavy Metal, for which I know we all thank them for. The NWOBHM seems to be reintroducing itself, as so many bands who are championing the style are coming forth and making new blood for the metal pool. The UK’s Dark Forest is one of those bands that are doing there best to reinvent the power of NWOBHM.

Channelling all of the stars that have built the metal scene in England (Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Saxon etc...) Dark Forest proves that traditional metal is alive and still very much relevant even in the new millennium. With neck twisting rhythms and razor sharp riffs, this proud English band strides proudly intro the metallic forum and really does bring a new energy to each note they produce.

It is in the music that the band shows that this style has not lost one step in its power. Tracks like 'Black Delta' with its distinctive chugging and strong clear vocals, to the power epic 'The Tor' just proves my point, that this music has still has genuineness and relevance aside some of the more extreme ends of metal.

I only think that the vocals could have been mixed a little better on the album, and that is the only weakness on a CD that moves and powers like a Lamborghini going full out on a twenty mile stretch of the Autobahn. Gotta say, this album would be the best album to drive that Lamborghini to. Dark Forest has produced an album that is so very clearly relevant while blowing your mind that it sends us into the headbang pits with extra fire in our bellies.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 7
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.3 out of 10