The group has a very unique signature, which really distinguishes their music for much of the doom scene. Although there is a strong presence of the rhythm section and the base metal, the whole work is imbued with a real sweetness, a soothing hand makes listening to this lovely offering. Yet Alunah is a metal record, delivering sealed riffs and heavy, like the stylistic codes require it. These guitars, run by Sophie and David often form the structures of the tracks and the listener navigates the world of dreamy combo thanks to them, as these instruments are placed in the center of the disc. They are not looking for technical achievement elsewhere. Simply find the right melody, riff that carries that invite to accompany the English in their journey to the heart of nature, a very present theme in their music. This recipe is paying off, as the chiaroscuro effect is mastered yet simple, spontaneous. The formula in any ambivalence us into these haunting atmospheres that icing on the cake, differ from those of the previous game. Stay the course without falling into hackneyed scheme is not always clear, the expectations were so high but Alunah demonstrates its ability to meet this challenge successfully.
Furthermore, the voice of Sophie Day is still and always a great asset, as it fits perfectly with the perspective from which these compositions are written. Storyteller, rocking, the singer is there to guide, give a hand and to discover the landscapes drawn through the various tracks. It is true that the sweet and simple song of frontwoman is quite unusual in the genre, moving away from many stereotypes and out of the shackles that can be faced. It is part of the strong identity of Alunah, who at as albums, manages to build a personality becoming stronger. Do not expect to be impressed by any extraordinary capability, voice register Sophie is not unlimited. But in his role, the English is impeccable, and knows his duties in wonder. His performance thus wants the image of the music and harmony of these two elements is constantly measured accurately by the combo. This dreamy aspect is, at bottom, not so far from approaching a Subrosa, although instrumentally, both teams further apart, the facet sludge being absent in four UK.
Thus, emphasis is placed on the cohesion between the creators of this album, which has a wonderful osmosis. This pooling of talent allows everyone to come up with pieces of excellent craftsmanship, forming a homogeneous whole, and distinct from both. The titles seem to melt into each other, and in the right way. The enchantment is complete from beginning to end and each of the six pieces brings his significant contribution. "Heavy Bough" is distinguished by its catchiness, its memorable chorus, while the self-titled "Awakening the Forest" has a much more peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, where the presence of beautiful vocal harmonies adorn the vocal lines a mystical aura. Each piece is a string of its own to stand out without overshadowing the other rooms. This is what makes the strength of Alunah from White Hoarhound, and obviously, the musicians know it.
Each listening to Awakening the Forest reveals something that might have been previously obscure. The disc is rich, and long service life reveals the work of a goldsmith Alunah it comes to writing. So a work more to place in the basket of the great successes of the year. Let it be said, the British talent to spare and do not intend to stop there way. Still largely unknown, the group managed to Klitschko two excellent achievements in a row. Fans of doom, do not miss this offering great sensitivity.
Final Score: 8.5 / 10
Original French Version: http://www.lagrosseradio.com/metal/webzine-metal/chronique-metal/p10123-alunah-awakening-the-forest.html