Pagan Metal can be difficult to nail because there is a definite lack of "rules" that define the genre, but rarely have I heard a band take many disparate elements and combine them so seamlessly. Black and clean vocals, guitars and accordions, crushing riffs and quiet effects of singing birds are woven throughout Rastlos, Finsterforst's fourth album, and the result is a masterpiece. Finsterforst doesn't seek to bludgeon you with unrestrained emotion, rather they create an atmosphere that draws you in and takes you to another place. Heaviness and melody work in concert and the resulting songs are majestic.
If I have a complaint it is that Rastlos is too long at over 77 minutes and I have difficulty finding enough time to soak in all that the album has to offer in one sitting. That is about the only negative thing I can say about Rastlos and it is a pretty weak complaint, truth be told. Finsterforst have recorded an album that transcends genre and should be heard by all who appreciate quality Heavy Metal.
