Many a death metal or a black metal band claiming to be atmospheric, easily fail to be so. Forlorn Chambers are a young band, who formed last year in Tampere, Finland. They do not claim anything, but manage to be quite a lot actually. 'Unborn and Hollow' is their debut demo, released on CD packed in a pocketcase.

The title track starts with ice-cold melody, and soon the blasting begins. Nordic black metal influenced atmospheric death metal is what is heard. Tremolo riffing, warm distorted bass guitar, fast drumming and vocals emerging from both, windpipe and esophagus. Twin guitar weaved melancholic melodies on the chorus part sound totally Finnish. It all could easily be played with two zithers, such folky it is. 'And We Hail the Ones Who Fall' starts with ominous melody work and blasting drums. While roaming in calmer things at times, it is a furious yet gloomy song. Its chorus is the best thing in it, with some clean chanting duetting with growled vocals, and catchy guitar work. 'Desolate Resolution' is the boldest song on offer. There are clear echoes of early Katatonia at the beginning. 'Brave Murder Day' (1996) style icy, reverbed guitars and desolate melodies play a big part in this song. Surprising twist is one rather warped, but short, prog music part in the middle.

Forlorn Chambers' style isn't totally unique, but it reminds of many bands. However, it is not that easy to pin down the names of those bands. The production is on demo level (not like a bedroom recording, mind you!), but it already emits both coldness and a touch of warmth there lies underneath it all. Maybe it's the bass guitar's tone, that is a bit too Geezer-esque. Anyway, a promising demonstration from newcomers. Support the band and get this directly from them for 2 Euros.

Reviewed by Lane
03/29/2013 12:21