In the Woods – Strange in Stereo – Review

In the Woods

Strange in Stereo (Misanthropy)
by Paul Lee

The addiction may not be instantaneous, but their music works like a choice narcotic opening windows to the psyche and doors to the brain’s emotional regions. In The Woods are a breath of fresh, progressive-metallic air with their third epic album, Strange In Stereo. Before receiving this, I was captivated by their excellent rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Let There Be More Light” on the Misanthropy sampler, Presumed Guilty. I’d also heard a couple of their older songs on the Blackend compilations, though I wouldn’t classify them as black metal. As expected, Strange In Stereo transcends the boundaries of ’90s metal and ’70s progressive rock. SIS may take time to fully digest, but In The Woods have created a huge and thrilling piece of art in eleven songs.

This Norwegian fivesome create a complex, deep, and passionate euphony utilizing violin, and both clean electric and acoustic guitar in addition to the traditional metal guitar and pounding drums. At times, they enter with a My Dying Bride, doomy approach, then rise into an airy, Pink Floyd stratosphere. Male singer, Ovl Svithjod, has a rich baritone, while female lead, Synne Diana, contributes her Lisa Gerard-like vocal talents. Just when you thought the Scandinavian metal scene was dominated by Viking and black metal warriors, In The Woods break the stereotypes and prove there are wizards amongst the warriors. If you seek to expand your metal horizons and your mind, let your journey take you In The Woods.
(DEI: PO Box 738 Syosset, NY 11791)