
Hailing from Aarhus, Denmark, Woebegone Obscured delivers a massive atmospheric doom metal statement, one which should not be ignored by fans of the genre.
The band has been around for quite a while, since 1993 to be exact. Back then, the band formed by Danny Woe under the moniker Rimfrost, focused on black metal with doom elements.
Yet, as many bands, Woebegone Obscured started to evolve. The changed their name, released some demos, EPs and full-lengths. Now, with their third full-length under their arms, they plan to make a huge mark on the doom metal world. The evolution still seems to be going strong as the melodic doom gains elements from modern day post-scene, amongst others. That results in an overwhelming piece of work with plenty of variation and heaps of atmosphere.
'The Forestroamer' contains five tracks, including three massive anthems. 'The Memory And The Thought' immediately comes up with the goods. Monolithic riffs, melodic "anthemism" and deep growls drag the listener in from the very beginning. Soon other types of vocals start to appear, including blackened screams. Bands like Novembers Doom, Saturnus and Swallow The Sun come to mind. Yet, as the breathtaking 'Drommefald' proves, these guys mostly showcase decades of experience and expertise.
'Drommefald' is definitely a highlight, not only on this album but also in today's doom metal scene. Mostly driving on funeral doom tempos, this track brings everything people like about this style. It also throws in a fierce blast-beats driven passage into the mix, which only adds to the variation and the epicness of the whole thing. After a short breather, 'Crimson Echoes', the huge title track brings more of the same in the same mind boggling way. Eventually, 'Dormant In The Black Woods' brilliantly finishes off this epic record. Somehow even A Swarm of the Sun comes to mind with this one.
In all, 'The Forestroamer' is an incredible album, destined to be on the shelves of every self-respecting doom adept. So I urge you to pre-order the hell out of this thing and join me in hoping for a European tour very soon.
Serge