Skazki starogo lesa

Arafel's "Skazki Starogo Lesa" on the whole is more or less disappointing, both in the structure and the composition of the pieces within it. As a demo it is expected that the band's potential is tempered and still in the processes of being applied - and this demo certainly isn't an exception. Miscalculations and errors in instrumentation are common, the vocals still require greater experience to be fully appreciated, and the four individual songs do not flow; they inevitably remain 'individual,' and that is all too understood in this trial piece. It certainly has its moments - there are points where a different take on the relationship between the vocals and the instruments provides a desperate change from the mediocre (as in "Serpent Island") - but a lack of coordination and cooperation limits the value of this demo.

To get it out of the way, since it's hammering away inside my mind, the drumming is erratic with a lack of coordination. Now, it's not to say that the drummer is a poor drummer - on the contrary, there is skill and an aptitude to tone - only, it seems, the drumming is off-beat comparable to the guitars. It's difficult to fathom the drumming as a point of contention, but it is valid in this case. The drumming is too front and center. A relatively decent guitarist seems to struggle with his chords as he attempts to work in conjunction with it.

This has lead to many miscalculations on the part of the guitarists, where mid-song riffs are poorly implemented during changes in the tempo (as in "Tales From the Ancient Wood"). There's still potential with the guitars, but they are sorely undermined and less remarkable in this demo.

The overall meaning of this demo seems fairly clear; it was intended to be a selection of songs to be independently reviewed. There is no cohesive tie - or flow - between the songs, and this in part limits a significant understanding. The folk elements are encompassed solely in the vocals - in the rare non-lyrical and rhythmic calls or in the distinctly 'battlesque' hails of the band members.

The sound as a whole is not black metal, even with the use of harsh vocals. Nor would it be safe to call it viking or pagan black metal, either. Remnants of contemporary thrash, or perhaps more appropriately contemporary death metal, dilute a folk metal and a black metal atmosphere. Even, and I can swear this, power metal influences or styles are vaguely imitated. In this it is perhaps probable to link the involvement of Arafel's members in other projects post the release of this demo to their work in this demo; among them death, thrash and power metal bands.

This demo may have achieved a much better standing, if the band members seemed more like a team. There's very little cohesion between all the elements in this work. It's difficult to understand why this demo was even formulated, if the artists seem not to work well together. This, along with the errors in instrumentation, the arrogance of the drumming, and the mismatch of styles makes for an unsatisfying demo.