A Forest of Stars

A Forest of Stars have been what I would say one of my favourite bands. That by no means is an easy feat to say.. Ask me what my second would be and I coulnd't tell you. Oh well.. While their latest release may not be my favourite output of theirs, there is still much charm and positive to be taken from it. To be honest, I disliked it at first. Though knowing how difficult A Forest of Stars was originally to get into, I gave it another couple go's as an inital listen was much too premature to give a fair opinion. As always, they push the boundaries with their psychdelic approach and great depth and layering. In many aspects, their experimental elements have left a positive imprint on the avant-garde/experimental Black Metal scene which should only make them a household name. Anything less would be criminal. Be patient, attentive and enjoy to the fullest with all your senses. 

Helleborus

Helleborus are a Psychedelic Black Metal duo from the mountainous state of Colorado that explore "themes of sexual mysticism and Dionysian nature". Named after the deadly poisonous winter flower, this gives us a fairly good idea of what to expect from their music. Beauty and grisliness wrapped all into one. They combine the relentless maelstrom of black metal riffage that we all love, while maintaining a psychedelic vibes that are perfect in putting the listener into a hypnotic like trance. The melding together of traditional black metal elements, and unorthodox elements  of doom and rock  is highly enjoyable and demands your attention to absorb all the various elements.The crisp quality songwriting, and memorable riffs make this a solid addition to add to any metal heads playlist. With their full length debut soon to drop, it'll be great to great to hear more from this sibling duo.

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 Oranssi Pazuzu

For this weeks entry I've decided to continue on with a Psychedelic theme. Formed in 2007 by mastermind Juho Vanhanen, ex-member of psychedelic rock band Kuolleet Intiaanit, Oranssi Pazuzu is often described as the Black Metal predacessor. Oranssi Pazuzu integrate many psychedelic elements in their music much like the notorious Pink Floyd. Jangly guitars, trippy hypnotic synths and dissonant ambiance and elements of jazz can all be heard in the music. At first this concotion of fused elements may take some getting used to but all of these interwoven elements, and funky rythyms give each individual song an addictive quality.

Discography
Muukalainen Puhuu - 2009
Candy Cane / Oranssi Pazuzu [Split] - 2010
Kosmonument - 2011