WOODS OF DESOLATION – As the Stars (2014)

Genre: Atmospheric/Depressive Black Metal

Label: Northern Silence Productions

Rating: 8.5/10

After Torn Beyond Reason, all members of Woods of Desolation left the band except D. the guitarist. To record the drums, he recruited Vlad, the drummer of Drudkh, who does a masterful job on this album. Old, who does vocals, also does a great job, and Luke Mills is on bass, which unfortunately in this mix is nearly inaudible. This recording is in fact very trebly, but it establishes the atmosphere very well.

The opening riff to the first track, “Like Falling Leaves,” is worthy of Torn Beyond Reason. The verse riff has an extreme sense of despair to it. The second verse doesn't have that same sense, but there is a feeling of urgency. The riff that follows the silent/ambient section after the second verse, has a wonderfully depressive feel to it. Track two, “Unfold,” starts with a very solemn clean guitar riff, followed by a distorted guitar rhythm and lead that sound like there is light shining in their world but there they are, austere and with bleakness in mind. That feeling of bleakness pervades the entire song. “And if All the Stars Faded Away” features some weighty riffage right from the start. At 2:18, a section that is notably sad-sounding comes in. There is really no other way to put it. “This Autumn Light” starts clean, with a brooding arpeggio. At 1:27, a powerful chord progression proceeds thence. The second half of this song is not as noteworthy, but it seems to exalt depression.

“Anamnesis,” number five, features a fantastically down lead at 0:32. It returns to this great lead at about 2:05 after some chord progressions that do not quite hit the mark. At 3:02, the piece shifts on a downward spiral, musically, and I mean that in a good way. It leads one to feel crushed, hopeless. “Withering Field” features a dour, clean intro, followed by a riff that feels like the surge of happiness and energy I got each time I attempted suicide. This song retains that feeling for its entirety. “Ad Infinitum” actually seems happy. It's really not until 3:50 that it takes on a depressed feeling. This would get my vote as the weakest track on the album.

I love this album overall; I have faith in D.'s songwriting skills, and Woods of Desolation are a great band. I do not feel, however, that this succeeds Torn Beyond Reason; so far, that album is their greatest achievement. I was especially displeased with the production of As the Stars, as I thought Torn...'s was spot-on. However, I would recommend to buy it. You can buy multiple vinyl formats via the label or digitally here.