MYSTIC FOREST "Romances" CD

* Review by MetalGeorge / Live4Metal.com

"I recently read an intriguing article with the mastermind of this French band, Stefan Kozak, in Metal Maniacs magazine. In said article, much praise was given for both this outfit, as well as his other, rawer project, entitled Eikenskaden. Comparisons to classic Ulver were made, which indeed caused my salivary glands to react at a near uncontrollable rate. That said, I was both excited and worried to check this out when it arrived one day in the mail courtesy of my main man Scott. Would it be able to live up to the fantastic expectations that were running in my head of what it would sound like? Could it be true? IS Mystic Forest the next Ulver? Well...it's damn near close."

"Yes, friends, 'Romances' is probably one of the truest modern interpretations of the classic dark Black Metal styles impeccably performed by Ulver on their 'Bergtatt' masterpiece. It is a highly melodic release, but unlike the modern definition of the term (i.e heavily reliant on keyboards to evoke atmosphere a'la Dimmu or Cradle), Mystic Forest's idea of melody is to create it from the sheer emotional impact each song makes upon the listener. It's the guitar work that is the star of the show here. On each of the album's 10 tracks, it is Msr. Kozak's highly impressive abilities which take the music to new and adventurous heights. Whether utilizing chords or fast picking, Kozak always manages to keep one guessing as to where he will go next. Most of all, it is in his impeccable and uncanny gift of lead guitar and note choice which truly make Mystic Forest an original entity."

"In a genre where guitar solos are not usually the order of the day, Kozak makes them a vital part of each songs. Whether he is holding a single note, or running through a neo-classical scale, there is never a shortage of pure and unbridled emotion. "Romances" is an album of melancholic, sad, morose moods, with sections that rival classic Katatonia in greatness (see 3:30 in 'Dans le couloir du Vice'). The man may not be a widely recognized name right now, but trust me, if enough people get a chance to listen to this, he will be one day be named alongside such players as Ihsahn, Jon Nodtveidt, Euronymous, and Blackheim in scope. Brave words? Sure, but trust me, Mr. Kozak can back it up. Give the man time to hone his raw talent even more, and I'm positive what I have said will come to pass."

"While 'Romances' plays akin to one continuous piece (each song is linked by bits of Chopin, Debussy, female vocals, and lightly pouring rain), songs like 'Supplice Raffine' and the title track also sparkle on their own with greatness and originality. Mystic Forest is truly a band that must be heard to be believed. Sure, it's Black Metal (grim vocals courtesy of Baalberith), but it's so much more. I can only imagine what more we could have in store from these artists in the future. All I know is that I'll be waiting with baited breath for their next masterpiece. In the meantime, I plan on tracking down both previous Mystic Forest and Eikenskaden material ASAP."

"'Romances' is a Black Metal album which must be heard and experienced by anyone who desires to hear the genre done justice in the year 2004. In an age where the feeling which once encapsulated an era is in danger of being lost forever, Mystic Forest is one act which is both preserving that feeling, as well as creating an entirely new extension of it for the new generation. A masterful release worthy of the highest praise." -- Metal George
Live4Meta l.com (2004)