Three Times Seven on a Pilgrimage

From inception, In The Woods... were peculiar and unconventional. From the early oddball experimental heathenish black metal to the epic, more melodic, dramatic later works of conceptual progressive metal, the band distinguished itself in its time, not just in sound and presentation, but by a distinctly powerful compositional style of powerful dynamic contrast and the depth of its atmospheric profundity. Relatively obscure and misunderstood, for a journey-ready audience wishing to be taken further into the depths of the human spirit and its relation to the universe, beyond the borders of the tangible in search of infinite possibility of thought and aspiration, the music of In The Woods... delivers with astounding creative vision and perceptive insight into the manifold nature of existential circumstance.

"The entirety I am yearning, I urge for
Where sense is
I passed it a thousand times, left it all behind
In search for more"

This disc compiles the band's three seven-inch EPs (White Rabbit, 1996; Let There Be More Light, 1998; Epitaph, 2000) along with four previously unreleased bonus tracks. Covers of King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, and Syd Barrett make up four of these tracks, each of which is remarkably translated into the sound-world of In The Woods..., presented with respect to the original formations and intentions, while re-processed to sound and feel as though they were the band's own compositions. Spaced out in sequence, these cover versions effortlessly harmonize with the band's original tracks in the progression of the disc, which, despite its nature as a compilation release, maintains an engaging flow and unity on par with the band's full-length studio releases.

The material here is post-HEart of the Ages, meaning that the band's black metal associations are not evident, the disc focused on their atmospheric brand of concept-oriented progressive metal first formulated on 1997's Omnio. Lengthy, explorative tracks like "Karmakosmik" and "Empty Room" display this band's expansive range of expressive representation and special talent for confronting the listener with intense, contrasting perspectives of emotion and thought on a given theme. Most songs feature the passionate, effectively arranged male and female singing, both of which maintains a quality of theatricality and unique expressive character, powerfully unified with the music's penetrating dynamic changes. Every member contributes a distinct ability in instrumentation, directing the skill towards the benefit of the song's meaning and evolution, completely tuned in to the spirit of the concept, without the slightest hint of superficial indulgence or unnecessary divergence.

"Come walk with me for a while
My child
There's a word I have heard
And it's deeply absurd"

While the disc is heavily concentrated on the band's more contemplative, soundscapish disposition, with frequent, extended ambient-style passages of ethereal or psychedelic quality, the music is exceptionally vivid and passionate, at times reaching stunning heights of euphoric desperation and incensed hysteria. Always elaborate in structure and expression, though never pretentious or needlessly complex, the masterfully composed and executed music of In The Woods... is challenging and adventurous, emotionally stimulating and inspiring. As this is the last word from this brilliant and inventive band, and because this release contains entirely rare and unreleased music, none of which appears on any of the studio full-length albums, it is an essential experience for those who've been moved by the awe-inspiring music of In The Woods... on any of its previous displays, or for anyone seeking an immersive musical exploration of the potential of awareness and discovery.