Artist: Eternal Druid
Title: Forest Of Illusions
Type: Album
Label: Digital / Sokol Keep
I almost feel like at this point I should almost apologise for yet another Sokol Keep release review but that would be wrong headed; they have simply been hitting it way out of the park with their last few drops and that’s down to very knowing choices in who they collaborate with. There’s another very recent announcement that had me bouncing around already, for example. And for those few who are unaware Eternal Druid, this new project, are from the same mind of melodic, atmospheric and distinctive black metal band Gallic Hammer, from Switzerland. Which is why this caught my eye in the first place. And in the second place…. just look at the art by Sylvana Masa Art.
‘Enter The Woods Of Sequania’ from literally the first simple notes confirmed why had been right in thinking this would be something to just let myself be taken away by. The use of keyboards and atmospherics by Gallic Hammer are not ‘DS tacked on’ or even just backwashes of synths; they are a deeply mature and sophisticated. Almost prog. Here we have just achingly beautiful notes echoing, sunlight in droplets falling between the branches and being gently spread into rays. Synths open up around them, the lush vegetation maybe and also that stoic presence that trees always bring to a forest. Calm, beautiful and so, so immersive.
‘Contemplation’ is as placid as you might imagine/ Think the most gentle moments of some Druadan Forest. The notes that sound like a xylophone; the soft touch of wood being perfectly struck, the green blanket relaxing letting your mind drift…Peace. A rhythm begins, suddenly deepens. Striking keyboards. But not sinister, simply powerful. It relaxes, back into the flow but rises once more as we close…. ‘Child Of The Forest’ seems almost careful in its footsteps, at home but a wariness born of knowledge. Yet there is an undeniable playfulness to the melody that comes through; rich keyboards with a beautiful arrangement and a progressive feel taking melody, dancing with it a while with layers and variation before picking up that simple original thread once more.
‘Epic Journey To The Land Of Ants’ genuinely adds the opposite feelings of both insularity with an epic sound decorating the edges. Perhaps it is a determination to take this journey. We get flutters of notes bubbling past as the beat remains steady. Again just the lightness of the music adds a sense of sunlight. And then , halfway, a darker and more brooding done. Absolutely gorgeous keyboards with perfect percussion tingling with that Tangerine Dream energy. It doesn’t speak of imminent danger, more the seriousness of the path, the surrounding we pass through. The destination is reached in a stillness that belies the previous steps, but we arrive.
‘Wild Nocturnal Ritual’ closes. A secretive sound, delicate dancing steps, moonlight on interwoven bark, perhaps some low torchlight. Toms beat out the steps, delicacy building the power towards a point as keyboards and cymbals clash and then the steps return but the melody now has a new thread, a darker ribbon… then silence.
Eternal Druid are just so wonderful here. This is dungeon synth in the style of great electronica and sumptuous ambience. The arrangements are faultless, the choice of sounds in every place and layer simply beautiful and the writing of melody is sweet, determined or powerful as occasion dictates. I just want to use the word ‘lush’ over and over again as it feels like lying back on soft moss watching sunlight fall and insects dance as soft tine feet pad through the undergrowth.
Beautiful.
Gizmo
https://eternaldruid.bandcamp.com/album/forest-of-illusions
https://sokolkeep.bandcamp.com/album/eternal-druid-forest-of-illusions
Walking The Liminal Space 