October Falls - 'The Womb Of Primordial Nature'

Since their debut CD in 2005, the Finnish band October Falls has released a couple of EPs, and now return with their second full-length. The song titles on The Womb Of Primordial Nature are boring, with the four tracks called "I," "II," "III" and "IV." That's the only thing that's boring on this very compelling CD.

On this CD October Falls combines folk metal with black metal. It's a well rounded effort that features the best features of both genres. The Womb Of Primordial Nature has parts that are fast and dense with evil sounding guitars and an oppressive atmosphere.

Those harsh moments are contrasted by calm and peaceful folk metal with acoustic guitars and the relaxing sound of rain and thunder. Just like nature, which is the subject of the CD, there are times of violence, anger and despair along with moments of peace, serenity and beauty. Both sides are well represented.

The vocals on the CD are black metal rasps, harsh and unintelligible. The songs are epic, with the four tracks clocking in at anywhere from 8 to 10 minutes in length. October Falls are an extremely talented band that isn't that well known, but The Womb Of Primordial Nature is a standout that folk and black metal fans should hear.

(released September 9, 2008 on Moribund Records)