In the Woods... | Otra | Prophecy Productions

 

In The Woods..., one of Norway’s most enigmatic and genre-defying metal acts, began their story in Kristiansand in 1991, founded by former members of Green Carnation. Initially steeped in the black metal underground, their 1993 demo “Isle Of Men” and the seminal 1995 debut “HEart Of The Ages” placed them on the map as pioneers of a more atmospheric and progressive form of extreme metal. Throughout the 1990s, the band expanded into new artistic territory with “Omnio” (1997) and “Strange In Stereo” (1999) before splitting in 2000.

After the death of founding member Oddvar A.M. in 2013, the band reformed with a mixture of returning and new members. Releases such as “Pure” (2016) and ”Cease The Day” (2018) marked a reemergence into the avant-garde sphere, though not without turbulence. By 2022, a new and final incarnation solidified around drummer Anders Kobro, new vocalist Bernt Fjellestad, and longtime collaborators Kåre André Sletteberg, Bernt Horne Sørensen, and Nils Olav Drivdal, culminating in Diversum later that year. Their strong live showing at Prophecy Fest 2024 confirmed the rebirth was no longer transitional—it was fully realized.

"Otra" continues the legacy of In The Woods... with a mature and focused sense of composition. This album leans heavily toward melodic and atmospheric constructions, often led by clear, layered guitar work and an emphasis on vocal clarity and tonal variation. There is a noticeable shift from their earlier chaotic and brooding avant-black roots to a more controlled and graceful expression of dynamics. Harsh textures do return, but now serve as counterpoints rather than central themes. The pacing across all seven songs is deliberate, and each piece contributes to a cohesive whole without being repetitive.

The band’s integration of keyboards and synths—supported here by guests Alf Erik Sørensen and Hector Montero—contributes to a broad sonic canvas that ranges from subtly uplifting to introspective and somber. Bernt Fjellestad’s vocals carry both emotional resonance and technical command, balancing melodic phrases with harsher moments that maintain a link to the band’s extreme metal origins.

Lyrically, "Otra" draws inspiration from the river that flows through southern Norway, binding the album thematically to geography and personal roots without resorting to overexplanation. There’s a sense of place woven through the atmosphere—understated but persistent.

The production is spacious and restrained. The mixing and mastering by Frédéric Gervais allows room for each instrument to breathe, avoiding over-compression while maintaining clarity. The guitar and vocal recordings at the band’s own studio ensure consistency in tone and mood. The artwork by Seiya Ogino reflects the band’s aesthetic well—mysterious, somber, and quietly mythic.

"Otra" does not aim for confrontation or extremity. Instead, it speaks with calm conviction and weight born of experience. The music may not surprise those familiar with the band’s latest evolution, but it holds attention through strong songwriting, balance, and nuance. The album invites repeated listens not through complexity alone but through subtle shifts and restrained intensity.

Score: 8.5/10