Essedvm

This is an odd EP from an odd sort of band. Foret d'Orient are definitively a Death Metal band, but they have an odd name and mix in a lot of atmospheric passages and interludes to leaven their heavy attack. I have to say I like the moody, melodic stuff here better, as their heavier passages, while not bad, are not very original-sounding. So when they stick with the harp/acoustic bits they sound good, but when they kick up the guitars they become almost completely faceless. This band shows promise, and this is not a bad EP, but so far this band's mix of styles has not gelled into a coherent sound.