Woods Of Desolation – As The Stars (Northern Silence)

Woods Of Desolation – As The Stars (Northern Silence)

Woods of Desolation’s As The Stars came out all the way back in February, and when it did, we here at the Black Market made predictions that it would be one of 2014’s best come year end. Well, here we are. As The Stars was one hell of a breakout album for Woods Of Desolation, a one-man Australian black metal band (sole “member” D picks a new team of talented studio musicians who bring their own style to each album). Woods Of Desolation have actually been active since 2006, and As The Stars is their third LP. Their last, 2011’s Torn Beyond Reason, was my favorite album of 2011 — it came in at #21 on the list we did that year, and I still felt it got robbed. This year, though, Woods Of Desolation got the attention they so richly deserve. As The Stars created what felt like a palpable buzz — especially notable for a band that qualified as obscure before this release. As The Stars is gorgeous; a depressive black metal triumph that revels in pure, raw emotion. Those who prefer metal that performs technical and acrobatic feats should probably look elsewhere (or consult my colleague — and friend! — Doug Moore): With Woods Of Desolation, it’s layers upon layers of big, melodic lo-fi guitars, blindingly blasting drums, and pained howls buried underneath it all. It’s music that comes from — and at times wallows in — sorrow, but there’s a victorious feeling, too, that makes it downright inspiring. As The Stars takes personal grief and turns it into triumph, rising above dread and causing chests to swell. –Wyatt [LISTEN]