Forest Of Impaled – Forward The Spears

Russell

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Jul 15, 2001
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The starry attic
www.russellgarwood.co.uk
Forest Of Impaled – Forward The Spears
Red Stream Records – RSR-0167 – 2003
By Russell Garwood

Chicago’s Forest Of Impaled play battle-influenced death/black, taking the ferocity and energy of death, with the atmosphere of black metal and adding war-themed lyrics and sound effects. The machine gun fire double bass and frantic fills of drummer Duane Timlin are accompanied by the very death-influenced guitar work of Marek Trela and Adrian Adamus. Marcus M Kolars’ bass is not very prominent, in juxtaposition to his varied and extreme vox, which range between guttural growls, more black metal-orientated screams and slower rasps. Occasional spoken passages are excellent, tending to be of a faster pace than many black metal recitations, adding originality to an otherwise prosaic but entertaining sound.

Their music harbours relentless aggression and, if you are not a fan of the sound can become monotonous. This is eased by solid song-writing and the quality riffage, and while there is nothing new here, many fans of black death will appreciate its charms. The production is slightly raw, but solid – just what the harsh music needs, and "Forward The Spears" is an entertaining release.