LYRICS OF A VIRGIN MIND VIII – Forgotten Woods

“I have no illusions as far as “my fellow-man” goes.

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(Forgotten Woods in an interview with Mortemzine)

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From the mighty Norwegian metal cult another name that personifies the elite statement for music

is Forgotten Woods. Formed in the early 90′s the band remained underrated for most of their music career but let me tell you one thing, for a storm that unleashes madness is the one that was at peace before the silence. Forgotten Woods is an entirely different black metal band that shows a lot of rock influences and the old song structures. The key feature that has paved a major way for most of the modern depressive\suicidal

black metal bands is the shrieking vocals and screams. Formerly known as Mordor, this band appeared at the birth of the Norwegian Black Metal scene and opted for the German No Colors label. Though a lot of people term them underground but Rune has often stated in interviews that they were never a part of any scene, it was just they kept away. Lyrical theme features a highly diversified nature with essential reflects depression, misanthropy, suicide, nature and occultism. In 1991 when the band was formed by Olav, Rune and Jarle the members were in their early teens.

The self released demo in 1993 was the first release with very much influencing the band’s future music. Grip of frost is a good track.Next demo album, through the woods was released in May 1993. The self released promo in 1994 featured the first two impressive songs from the band.

In My Darkest Visions and As the Wolves Gather.

The first full length album As the Wolves Gather was released in 1994 through No Colours records (a German Label). One of the best black metal albums and the one that gives the band, recognition at first place. With impressive vocals of Thomas, the songs mark their presence. The album features some of the best tracks of all time like As the wolves Gather (10:29), Eclipsed (6:26), In my darkest visions (8:44) and my fav Dimension of the blackest Dark (07:13). With effective punk sounding guitars and insane vocals, the music is different in every aspect.

Next release through Pagan Records was an EP Sjel av Natten meaning soul of the night. Featuring seven good tracks, yet another Fwoods classic. The album shows musical influences that show both the black metal(the Burzum essence) and the old rock influenced song structure. Members of the bands have been Merciful Fate fans and also influenced by Bathory. Good tracks from the EP are En Natt Med Storm og Ravners Skrik(10:28) meaning A Night With Storm and raven Scream, Your crystal fragments (07:22),inherent emptiness (13:04) and my fav track Hvor Vinteren Rår(07:17) meaning where winter reigns. The Starlit Waters / I, the Mountain (19:03) was released as a promo95 through No Colours. Next release Curse of Mankind and their best works so far was the last release before the band got split. The six track album features the best of black metal music.

In 1996 the band dissolved and Joyless was formed.

(interview with Mortem Zine)

Returing to studio in 2007 the band released an anti-conformity album, Anti-christian sure, Race of Cain through 20Buck Spin / ATMF in June 2007 Captured by Forgotten Woods in late 2006/early 2007 at Lifelike Studio. Produced and mixed by Odd Ivar Tysse. Vocals on The Principle And The Whip performed by Anne Lise Frøkendal. Spoken-part sample in Third Eye (New Creature) is taken from Talkback With Bob Larson.Though the album is not much like the old music but marks a return for them and continue with the journey. The album features good tracks like the principal and the whip and a Landmine reprisal.

Olav Berland – Guitar, Bass, Drums
Rune Vedaa – Guitar, Bass
Nylon – Guitar, Bass
Neige – Vocals (2007-)
Thomas Torkelsen – vocals (1993-1996)

Forgotten Woods are now back on track with the next release to be out sometime soon. I hopefully look forward to the band and wish them luck for the eternal music career.

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