For today’s album of the day, I went to my iTunes, pressed a letter key at random and lo and behold, Finsterforst came up. Finsterforst, whom I have raved about and interviewed in the past, is in a bit of a rough spot right now. They’ve been searching for months to no avail for a new vocalist. This however is not stopping them from playing shows, most recently one in Croatia with a session member by the name of Olli. I for one am ready for the cards to fall into place and see this band start writing and recording again. I would hate to see ...Zum Tode Hin, as good as it is, to be the band’s final gift to this cruel world. Until we have more news, let’s just enjoy what we’ve got. Take a listen to the track Das Grosse Erwachen (which if you say phonetically in my native tounge sounds like kind of like “That’s Gross Earwax” but is actually translated as “The Great Awakening”) and head over to the band’s myspace and send them your best wishes. I’m sure they could use a few of those right now.

Finsterforst was formed in 2004 and have, since that time, gained a small but loyal fan base across their country and throughout the world. They have released two full-length albums, 'Weltenkraft' and '...zum Tode him', the latter of which particularly impressed me to venture out and secure an interview with this dedicated outfit of shirtless miscreants. I could go on all day about '... zum Tode hin's' virtues but I'll spare you, though you can read a full review of the album here.  

A few months back I was finally able to get in touch with Simon, the bands hard working guitarist and he was kind enough to take time out of his very busy life and answer some of Metal Call-out's questions. With out further ado, 'Finsterforst... das Interview', (after the jump).

Not too long ago I was able to get in touch with Simon of Germany's own folk masters Finsterforst, to ask some questions about the new record, touring and being down a singer. We will post the interview sometime next week, probably Tuesday, so keep your eyes peeled.  In the mean time enjoy the track 'Urquell' from Finsterforst's latest, '...zum Tode hin' and have a great weekend!

Finsterforst is amazing and their new album ‘…Zum Tode Hin’ makes me want to scream it off a mountaintop.  Each of the five tracks on the album is over and in some cases way over the ten-minuet mark--a clear departure from their earlier work ‘Weltenkraft’.  Which means plenty of musical interludes (a favorite of mine), that sounds like focused jam sessions more than anything, and offer the listener a sonic treat in between main courses.   ...read on

Finsterforst From: Germany   Discography: “Weltenkraft” (2007), “…zum Tode hin” (2009)   Finsterforst, meaning “Dark Forrest”, is a epic folk metal band formed in 2004. In December 2006 Worldchaos Production signed Finsterforst to their label and released the bands first LP. Finsterforst is:   Marco Schomas- vocals Simon Schillinger- guitar David Schuldis- guitar Tobias Weinreich-bass Cornelius Heck- drums Sebastian Scherrer- keyboards Johannes Joseph- accordian   Finsterforst showed great promise from the start of their career as, posed to be the ‘next great folk metal band’. 2009’s “…zum Tode hin” was a highly anticipated by the horde of folk-fanatics I know, and did not disappoint. Clocking in at over an hour, “…zum Tode hin” is a five track melodic, folky, mash up, masterpiece. I don’t know what else to tell you- go buy their discography.  For fans of: Wolfchant, KromleK, and Finntroll.   Links: www.myspace.com/finsterforst

Wolfchant From: St. Oswald, Germany   Discography: “Bloody Tales of Disgraced Lands” (2005), “A Pagan Storm” (2007), “Determined Damnation” (2009)   Wolfchant is a pagan/folk metal founded in 2003 exploring themes of Nordic mythology and paganism. Wolfchant is currently signed to Massacre Records through which they released 2009’s “Determined Damnation”. Current line up is:   Lokhi- vocals/mouth harp Skaahi-guitar Dermorh- guitar Bahznar- bass Norgahd- drums/vocals/keyboards/accordian Gvern-keyboards   Sometimes folk metal could do with a dash of Germanic brutality usually reserved for extreme metal bands, where others fail-Wolfchant deliver. Heavier at times than Ensiferum, but not quite as relentless as say, Hypocrisy- Wolfchant ‘s black metal infused folk metal will please fans of Finsterforst and Varg.   Links: www.wolfchant-metal.com