Band:	Dråpsnatt
Album:	I Denna Skog
Style:	Atmospheric black metal, Pagan black metal
Release date:	September 03, 2009
A review by:	Lucas

01. I Denna Skog
02. Under Fullmånens Sken
03. Orostider
04. Av Jord Är Du Kommen
05. Fader Frost
06. En Sista Vandring
07. I Evig Tid
08. Han Faller Plågad Ned
09. Ett Sista Andetag

Dråpsnatt, I Denna Skog. A lot of impossible-to-pronounce, where-the-hell-are-those-letters-on-my-keyboard, who-the-hell-are-these-guys-anyway stuff. But, rest assured, those letters are available in 'Word -> Add special characters' and rest assured, the music is worth it. Let's proceed.

At first, I Denna Skog does not sound all too surprising. The songs "I Denna Skog" and "Under Fullmånens Sken" start in punkish, crunchy fashion with some background keyboard lines. Fortunately these keyboard touches provide small colourful accents without sounding goofy and 'Borgir'-esque, which is always a good sign. The clean vocals in the first track are also, in hindsight, an appetizer of what's to come.

Because, with the introduction of track three, Dråpsnatt changes face, which greatly benefits the album. The raw Black metal elements remain, but there's a new air of experimentalism and freshness that now surrounds the band. This is to be 'blamed' on the guitar and bass, mostly, which suddenly present themselves as being capable of thought-through dynamics, vivid riffs and adventurous play. Mix in a little Shining-vibe and Fen-styled play, to put it bluntly. Emphasis on the 'bluntly put', as it's more than just that. The album is blessed with a fresh, well-suited production and a few cool shrieks and soaring cleans and Dråpsnatt. Suddenly Dråpsnatt stands in a much more pleasant (and progressive) light, huh? Trust me, I Denna Skog will prove to grow on you and will turn out a worthwhile addition to their collection.

Keep in mind that this is only a debut album so yes, there are still a few flaws to be found. I'd personally advise them to welcome their experimental, unorthodox side more on the next album and to shy away from the crunchy Black which has been done too often. The current state of the Black metal scene is open to innovative bands and Dråpsnatt has what it takes to become a valuable part of this. Good job guys, keep it coming.