Genre: Neofolk / Neoclassical

Darkwood is a well established neoflk band from Germany who has been delighting neofolk music listeners with authentic and original neofolk since their debut release in 1999 titled “In the Fields.” Since the bands debut in 1999 they have produced four full length releases and two vinyl albums. The output of Darkwood over the past six years has been unwavering in its quality and the band has earned a highly regarded status amidst neoflk fans around the world. Darkwood's success has largely been due to the intimate and insightful nature of Darkwood's lyrics and the superb level of composition that is applied to each song. The music of Darkwood enshrouds the listeners in memories of a past that is scarred with struggle and conflict and illuminated with a spiritual flame that can be traced back to natural European pagan origins.

Darkwood's most recent release is actually a re-release of a now unavailable 10” Vinyl album titled Weltenwende. Weltenwende was originally released by Eis & Licht in 2003 as a limited edition of 700 copies which quickly sold out leaving many listeners empty handed and wanting. Weltenwende has now been re-released on CD to meet the demand of fans that missed the opportunity to purchase the original album. This is only half the story of the Weltenwende CD. Darkwood took this re-release opportunity to offer their fans five more songs in addition to the 8 original songs which appeared on the Weltenwende Vinyl release. Amidst these bonus additions are 3 songs from the debut album In the Fields (1999) which have been re-recorded and remastered for the occasion. A compilation only track from the compilation LP Europa Aeternus (2005) appears as well. In addition Darkwood re-recorded another track from their third full length album titled Falmmende Welt (2002). These bonus tracks really make the CD worth the investment as many of the re-recordings bring new depth and clarity to many of these old and favorite Darkwood songs.

Weltenwende opens with the eight original tracks taken from the Weltenwende original vinyl release. In the bands own words this CD and these songs in particular deal “with Forest not only as the place for retreat and consideration (Waldgang) but also
as the place for resistance and change (Wende).” English speakers will be hard pressed for translations of these eight songs as each of them but one is sung in the bands native German tongue. This need not detract from the music though as each of these eight compositions is a lovely gem of neoclassical and neofolk beauty that transcends language and culture.

These first eight songs that appeared on the original Weltenwende album offer a vast range of emotions that range from emotionally charged songs that herald visions of thunderstorms scouring the forest to bombs dropping and people seeking refuge and spiritual renewal in the forests depths. Amidst my favorites amongst these selections are “Stiller Bund” and “Epitaph.” “Stiller Bund” which translates in English to “Quiet Federation” begins with the familiar Darkwood guitar strumming and a delicate flute that weaves amongst the guitar chords beckoning the listener to come deeper into the dark forest. Henryk's deep and smooth voice begins reciting lyrics over the cascading music adding depth and a tinge of dark romanticism. Cymbals crash gently adding a sense of drama and excitement to the song as the flute departs and returns dancing amidst the music. Half way through the song strong acoustic drumming begins its steady rhythm and electric guitar joins adding density and complexity to the song. The tone of the song easily darkens from hopeful to dark epic. A sense of struggle and resistance is communicated by the building strums of an electronic guitar that growls in the back ground. The cymbals crash louder and louder increasing a sense of desperation and impending doom and ultimately leading to the end of the song.

The eighth song titled “Epitaph” is also taken from the Weltenwende album and is the only English offering from the original album. “Epitaph” is a stunning neofolk song that expertly captures the spirit of European Warriorship in all of its pain and mysticism. Based on acoustic guitar, drums, flute, and cymbals the song is driven by lyrics that speak of calling upon the gods and bleeding to death in the night. All the tragedy, hope, honor, and faded glory of war and conflict are expertly captured in this moving ballad.

"Winter" is the ninth song on Weltenwende and is a re-recording taken from the debut In the Fields album. The songs opens with a stunning array of cellos and violin playing a very saddened tune that is deeply engaging and instantly propels the listener into the narrative plight of the song. The strings tear at the listener's heart begging for a chance to tell their tale of peril. Deep thundering drums intercede into the song so seamlessly you barely notice the transition though the deepening of emotion and drama is impossible to ignore. After a brief interval Henryk's vocals grace the song asking the listener if they have seen the world being led by “the bloody beast.” Images of men blinded by rage and revenge following leaders and never questioning the consequences of their bloodlust or their own fate are inspired by the narrative. Snare drums and deep bass drums accent violin, flute, and guitar in an unparalleled performance that is immensely effective. Henryk harnesses the full force of the neofolk genre under his will and delivers an insightful and touching ballad filled with tragedy, war, and redemption.

The tenth song “Torn Nation” is worthy of mention as Henryk tackles the very painful and deep issue of the German nation in post WWII. The lyrics speak of doubt, pain, and regret associated with the Nazi massacre and the German nation's legacy of the genocide. Henryk speaks of a scarred nation which is scared to rise again. I found this song to be incredibly honest and thoughtful as it addresses a history and legacy that nearly no other German artists within the post industrial genre have ever tackled. Cheers to Henryk for not ignoring this painful legacy and the struggle the German nation still faces in redeeming their honor.

I couldn't end this album without mentioning one of my all time favorite Darkwood songs which has been re-recorded from In the Fields for Weltenwende. “The Hidden Stone” is the eleventh of thirteen songs on the album. “The Hidden Stone” is a pure folk composition filled with Darkwood's signature guitars and acoustic drumming. One of the few songs in which Henryk is accompanied vocally “The Hidden Stone” offers the listener a direct narrative of wandering through the forest and stumbling upon an ancient carved rune stone hidden deep in the forests depths. With guitar, drum and accordion Darkwood deliver a newly recorded version in which every word can be easily understood and the guitars glisten through the speakers as if the artists were playing the song right before your eyes. The magic and mysticism of the song is still effective and alluring and when the song ends you are left grasping as the wisps of memory and imagination Darkwood has invoked.

There is no doubt that Darkwood fans will want to secure a copy of this amazing album. Much more than a rehashing of former material Weltenwende is actually a new fire blazing upon the cooled ashes of previous releases. Even if you already own the original vinyl version of this album it is still worth your money just for this collection of re-recorded and classic Darkwood tracks. If you are a neofolk enthusiast do not miss this opportunity to embark on a mystical journey filled with themes of war, rebellion, sacrifice, and nature. Darkwood has earned our attention and trust well before Weltenwende and this album continues the endearing journey that we have come to love.