Suicide Forest - Reluctantly (2021)

Hailing from the USA, today we have one-man entity Suicide Forest and its second full-length production “Reluctantly”. Unleashing over 43 minutes of harrowing Depressive/Atmospheric Black Metal, this band’s sound has that European vibe while introducing its own brand of creepiness to the mix. Recommended for fans of bands like Lifelover, Dodsferd, and similar outfits, be prepared to be crushed by this album.

Opening with the title track, the band sets a very demoralizing pace with a mid-tempo excruciating exercise in oppression. Thanks to its piercing riffs, ravaging shrieks, and subtle atmospheric keyboards, this track sets a very dense atmosphere. The crunchy “As the Light Fades Part 1” has a livelier pace to start as it has that rawness of early 90’s BM with its crafty guitar leads and faster tempos, reminding us a bit of Ancient in their “Svartalvheim” days.

The moody and depressive vibe is back with the piercing “Remorse” and its distorted guitars, while “Trembling In Emptiness” focuses more on creating cavernous atmospherics before unleashing its fury alongside solid drum patterns and crafty tempo changes. As the mood changes over this release, we find ourselves getting more and more into the band’s immersive and yet unpredictable sound.

Closing with the brutal “As The Light Fades Part 2”, the band shows there is no place for weakness and delivers their last crushing blow with great style. Overall, “Reluctantly” is one of those piercing releases that is both atmospheric and raw, creating a very cavernous vibe that only a handful of bands can pull off. Suicide Forest is definitely up to snuff with all other bands in the Avantgarde Music roster, and if you like Atmospheric/Depressive BM, you should definitely check them out.

Label: Avantgarde Music

Release: March 26th, 2021

Genre: Atmospheric/Depressive Black Metal

Country: USA