Trees Of Eternity
Hour of the Nightingale
Svart Records
2016
There are (a few) times that you happen upon an album that is so full of emotions, atmospheric themes and gloomy moods that you cannot help but get lost into it. That’s exactly the case with “Hour of the Nightingale” by Trees Of Eternity. Possibly it’s due to the “tragedy” that follows the release of this album, cuz unfortunately, Aleah passed away a few months ago and she didn’t get the chance to see the album being released. Juha did the right thing when he decided to release the album… he couldn’t have paid a better tribute to Aleah.
But let’s take things from the beginning. Trees Of Eternity were formed in 2009 by guitarist & songwriter Juha Raivio (Swallow the Sun) along with vocalist, lyricist & songwriter Aleah Stanbridge. They released the “Black ocean” promo CD in 2013 and since then they had been working on their debut full-length release. All the 4 tracks of the promo CD are included in the debut, with an updated sound in general. In 2013 the duo were joined by Kai Hahto (Wintersun, ex-Swallow The Sun) on drums and Fredrik “North” Norrman (October Tide, ex-Katatonia) on guitars. In 2014 the line-up was concluded with the addition of Mattias “Kryptan” Norrman (Moondark, October Tide, ex-Katatonia) on bass. The renowned Jens Bogren (Amon Amarth, Amorphis, Katatonia etc.) was responsible for the album’s recordings, the mixing, the mastering and the production. Needless to say, the production is great.
The music of the album is moving on the atmospheric & gloomy side of Swallow The Sun but with “ethereal” female vocals and acoustic, doomy, dark & melancholic parts. The participation of Nick Holmes (Paradise Lost) on “Gallows Bird” and Mick Moss (Antimatter) on “Condemned to Silence” make the final outcome even dimmer as well.
“Hour of the Nightingale” is not an album for every hour of the day and certainly it is not recommended for oppressive persons. It is more likely to listen to it under candlelight and it will certainly make you feel somewhat melancholic, wistful or reminiscent of things that have passed, so a glass of a good red wine might be quite helpful at some point. Ultimately, “Hour of the Nightingale” is an intense atmospheric metal album with lots of gloomy, melancholic and moody moments. Those who like such kind of dark, atmospheric music will revel in it by all means…
But let’s take things from the beginning. Trees Of Eternity were formed in 2009 by guitarist & songwriter Juha Raivio (Swallow the Sun) along with vocalist, lyricist & songwriter Aleah Stanbridge. They released the “Black ocean” promo CD in 2013 and since then they had been working on their debut full-length release. All the 4 tracks of the promo CD are included in the debut, with an updated sound in general. In 2013 the duo were joined by Kai Hahto (Wintersun, ex-Swallow The Sun) on drums and Fredrik “North” Norrman (October Tide, ex-Katatonia) on guitars. In 2014 the line-up was concluded with the addition of Mattias “Kryptan” Norrman (Moondark, October Tide, ex-Katatonia) on bass. The renowned Jens Bogren (Amon Amarth, Amorphis, Katatonia etc.) was responsible for the album’s recordings, the mixing, the mastering and the production. Needless to say, the production is great.
The music of the album is moving on the atmospheric & gloomy side of Swallow The Sun but with “ethereal” female vocals and acoustic, doomy, dark & melancholic parts. The participation of Nick Holmes (Paradise Lost) on “Gallows Bird” and Mick Moss (Antimatter) on “Condemned to Silence” make the final outcome even dimmer as well.
“Hour of the Nightingale” is not an album for every hour of the day and certainly it is not recommended for oppressive persons. It is more likely to listen to it under candlelight and it will certainly make you feel somewhat melancholic, wistful or reminiscent of things that have passed, so a glass of a good red wine might be quite helpful at some point. Ultimately, “Hour of the Nightingale” is an intense atmospheric metal album with lots of gloomy, melancholic and moody moments. Those who like such kind of dark, atmospheric music will revel in it by all means…