‘The Falling Tide’ by Woods of Desolation
Some of the most interesting aspects of atmospheric black metal imagery is the forest, winter, and wilderness. As someone who lives in a wooded area outside a major metropolitan area, I often find the forest to be a peaceful, contemplative haven away from the busyness of the city. Atmospheric black metal tends to drift in the same direction. Despite the harsh undertones of black metal, the melodic and contemplative nature of the music is peaceful, as if you were taking a walk in nature.
Woods of Desolation is an artist who embodies the atmospheric black metal categorization as well as any other. In the latest album titled The Falling Tide released through Season of Mist, Woods of Desolation brings a depth that can only be derived from years of experience creating music in this genre. This is no mere novice. Woods of Desolation demonstrates a masterclass in remaining true to a stylistic expression, all while evolving in the process.
Image: Woods of Desolation
“Far From Here”, the introductory track on the album, is beautifully haunting, with driving guitars and memorable melodies that soften the intensity of the pace. The vocals are harsh and desperate, as if this is a contemplative prayer or a cry for deliverance. It’s a brilliant entrance to the record, eventually transitioning to “Beneath a Sea of Stars” – a track that carries the same weight and heaviness of “Far From Here”, yet a more intentional chord progression. It’s very driving and melodic, fitting for an evening walk in the forest.
The title track, “The Falling Tide”, is the pinnacle of this album, as is fitting. The soft, melodic atmosphere that arrives midway through the song is incredible, toning down the forceful tones and welcoming a moment of melodic contemplation. The driving nature returns to end the song, but with a nice transition that isn’t too abrupt or out of place.
To say that “The Falling Tide” is our pick for the black metal album of 2022 would be a safe assessment. We just didn’t exist in 2022, so it’s too bad we can’t roll it over to 2023.
Great stuff from a true legend of atmospheric black metal.
You can follow Woods of Desolation on Bandcamp, Facebook, and Instagram.
