The Black Forest, steeped in legend and mystery. A setting for many eerie fairy tales and the birthplace of the band Coltaine. With Forgotten Ways (Lay Bare), the quartet presents a debut album that musically reflects on their homeland and the impenetrable forest.
Their sound is largely atmospheric, with a leaning toward metal, occasionally dipping into deep, black tones. The mist enveloping the trees hides sinister figures—was there something there, or not? Did a witch just cackle in the distance?
Vocalist Julia Frasch commands a wide range, juxtaposing angelic tones with guttural growls, making “Cloud Forest” entirely her own. Doom-laden and psychedelic in places, then gliding and instrumental elsewhere.
“Grace” stands out beautifully, while “Dans Un Nouveau Monde” takes a more gripping approach. Despite the variety in the tracks, they come together as a cohesive whole—a remarkable achievement for a relatively new band.
Coltaine – Forgotten Ways: Black Forest Metal – RIFL
