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