Bindrune Recordings: Woodland Denizens unite!

The Ripple Effect
Truly an amazingly cool record from the fertile mind of Aaron Carey (of Harvist, Nechochewn, and Angelrust) and his collaborator Andrew D'Cagna. What we got here is a neo-folk, quasi-classical exploration of metal themes all carried out on acoustic guitar and full rhythm section, with the occasional electric solo bleeding through. Songs vary between vocals and instrumentals with never a let down. The vocal tracks employ harmony vocals and melodies that simply cry of the grunge days of Alice in Chains or Days of the New, while the guitar playing is never less than stunning. On songs like "Auburn Hill" the technique and style reminds of the best work of the late Michael Hedges. Don't think Iommi classical passages, but rather fully realized complex yet nearly new age guitar. Both styles (vocal and instrumental) really hit the mark making this one of the more beautiful, yet still darkly heavy releases I've heard in a while. I've always been a sucker for acoustic rocking metal like the Alice in Chains Unplugged album, so this one was right up my alley. The Irish toned "Green Heroes" misses the mark for me, but other tracks like the vocal "Restless in Flight," "Alone Desert Rose," and "Without You," are just about three of my favorite songs of the year.

Battle Helm True Metal Magazine (Anders Ekdahl)
I can't remember when I first heard of Bindrune Recordings but I was intrigued by the records they released from day one. It's not your usual black metal run-of-the-mill releases. They seem to go for bands that have bigger integrity than others. Blood of The Black Owl, Celestial. Nechochwen etc. are bands that bring forth black metal into the 21st Century. Forest Of The Soul has a 70s vibe to their music. It's very much open landscapes and rural America over them. Not so much dark forests and murky waters. "Restless In Flight" is mostly made up of acoustic guitar and clean vocals but now and then bass and drums are added. The over-all feel of the album is that of respect to Mother Nature. It's very organic and natural. And thus making it hard to pin-point it. At best it could be described as Opeth taking their semi-acoustic album one step further into nature. At worst, well there isn't really anything bad about this album as long as you don't mind the more contemplating side of music.

Metal.de (Katharina Beck)
Loosely translated (Google translator) from German. We think you'll get the idea!
The editor being holds so few surprises. Often it is negative when the new album is a favorite band or a flop yet set before you get an average wannabe band. Sometimes there are also positive, although a typical distribution for remaining stocks, one of the scribe is pressed in addition to those cuts down unexpectedly. FOREST OF THE SOUL third album was also one of the last remaining stocks of the distributor, which nobody wanted to take you. Lucky for me that I did, for "Restless In Flight" is no doubt in the second category of surprises.

Why did the editorial argued metal.de not just about FOREST OF THE SOUL, has in my opinion to be simple with the genre term "folk", explain the most comfortable with the many embarrassing Diddle-folk rock / metal bands to associate the shot in recent years like mushrooms from the soil (and usually just as quickly disappeared). But with such bands, the American duo thankfully absolutely nothing in common, the music they present on "Restless In Flight", can be much more authentically than traditional, emotional folk rock with progressive call features. The focus is mostly on the instrumental, but also the beautiful, distinctive voice takes the lead now and again, the music is never in the shade. In addition, make FOREST OF THE SOUL absolutely nothing squint from genre limits, and even gene Classic Rock, Blues Gen. times, once Gen. Country, integrating elements of American traditional music as well as those of the Songs in Irish folklore and deliver to the listener so incredibly abwechlsungsreiches yet coherent album that never gets boring, drags the listener, touching, requests, relaxing, thought-provoking as well as to celebrate and even after many runs still as much fun as the first time preparing

What is more, is located "Restless In Flight" at a very high level, but never gets out of hand to a pure presentation of the skills of the musicians. FOREST OF THE SOUL mastered their instruments perfectly, let it out, however only true in some interspersed solos hang and invest their skills otherwise simply to write fantastic songs that are complex and challenging to lose, but never in nesting and the receiver exactly as much claim that he concentrate, but do not overdo it in order to understand the music, to enjoy it.

Honestly, I was enchanted for a long time no album more quickly so impress and captivate you. Nevertheless, the last step is missing an absolute About album, unfortunately I can not fix, why. Yet there's a strong buy recommendation from me, a mistake is excluded in this work. 9/10

Rock Overdose (George Gourgaris)
Translated (Google translator) loosely from Greek...
Listening and xanakouo this album and wonder which was hidden the band and why had not fallen to my attention.

The truth is that it is a relative new group, rather side project of Aaron Carey & Andrew Della Cagna (Angelrust, Harvist, Nechochwen) which can be created in 2002 in Virginia of America, but has so far only released 2 albums and integrated 1 EP.
Their music is something between acoustic folk rock with several elements, mainly traditional Irish and Indie.
Mother Nature and its mysteries, is the key ingredient in their themes and elaborately embellished through beautiful and sweet melodies.

Now, "Restless In Flight" is the second work, was released on June 7, featuring 14 songs of which four are instrumentals.
The first I heard say that he turned on the headset "Hindsight" of Anathema.
Stunning orchestrations where the burden has fallen on acoustic guitars that dress all compositions capable of being way over it with electrical to paint, low-mid tempo and vocals full of emotion dissipate into the atmosphere a soft tone that relaxes the senses are key features in this one the album, which finally manages to leave the ear a sweet echo that repeats again and again pleasantly without end.

In the synthetic field, the big highlights are in the same name that opens the album where the combination of the chorus-acoustic tantalise, "Alone Desert Rose" by Cagna to impress visitors with his performances and moments causing chills, I continue to "Green Heroes" nice, "Irish folky" piece of harmonica melodies enchant, followed by "Sweet and Low Down" is closer to indie rock from the sound that gives the mysterious banjo and finally the "Forest of the Soul" a fantastic piece of ambient the principal Cagna is only once.

The "Restless In Flight" will not change your life, but will definitely give you a relaxing, pleasurable feelings of happiness and a promising band that I think will impress us even more in the future.

Metal Psalter (Peter)
4 1/2 out of 5 Stars!
Aaron Carey is considered one of the most underrated musicians in the metal music scene today. From his work in metal bands such as Harvist and Angelrust to his work as Nechochwen, he has been good in any style that he plays. This remarkable range translates over to another project of his called Forest of the Soul, in which he works with long-time collaborator Andrew D’Cagna. That project’s latest album Restless in Flight is nothing short of spectacular in terms of acoustic guitar playing.

Restless in Flight is akin to the first Nechochwen album Algonkian Mythos in the sense that the acoustic guitars carry the day. The most notable difference is that Forest of the Soul also has vocals on the album. Inevitable comparisons between the two will always be there, but one thing that Restless in Flight has more of is that it sounds more along the lines of traditional backwoods folk music. Given that the duo is based out of the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, the influences are obvious and shine brightly here. The opening title track is a good opening track that invokes not metal influences (though there is an electric guitar here and there on the album), but the spirit of folk music from as far back as the 70’s in that there is a lot of soul (no pun intended) and the atmosphere is established from the very beginning. Mixed in with the songs are acoustic interludes such as “Auburn Hill” and “My Betrothed” that put the acoustic guitars in the spotlight. “Green Heroes” is an Irish-influenced song that shows Forest of the Soul’s influences aren’t limited to one particular style and that they can adapt when necessary. Trying to describe the beauty in which the elements on Restless in Flight blend together to create something truly enlightening is something that is difficult to put into words, but Forest of the Soul only needs music to get its message across. Combined with the vocals, Restless in Flight is almost a perfect album in the sense that it invokes emotion.

It seems that everything Aaron Carey touches turns to gold, and Forest of the Soul is no exception. Restless in Flight is a great album to play, whether it is on a long drive through the country side, relaxing on the patio while taking in a sunny afternoon, or inside a coffeehouse. It is also one of the most enlightening albums to have been released in recent years. With a running time of over an hour, Restless in Flight is an example of acoustic guitar playing at its best, as well as an exercise in establishing atmosphere.

Metal Army America (MetalGeorge)
Real Talk: I was entranced with this record from the very beginning.

Within the span of a few simple notes, the Appalachian outfit known as Forest of the Soul manages to capture a wealth of worthy depth, beauty and emotion within their carefully crafted, acoustic yarns.

It becomes difficult to truly express how well these songs are composed here on Restless In Flight, or to properly define the inspirations which surely lay behind this project of Nechochwen members Aaron Carey and Andrew Della Cagna. It all seems so ethereal and untouchable; as if Forest of the Soul were never really there in the first place, but rather some sort of possessive spirit, deigning to grace the good ol’ U.S. of A. with an atmospheric power usually reserved for our European cousins.

For some starting reference points: think the gloomy British-ness of Anathema and Antimatter meshed with Green Carnation’s Acoustic Verses, and then stripped down to a core of quintessential Americana. While not particularly sounding like any of these artists, the spectres of Dylan, Cave and Waits lurk here, as well, yet Forest of the Soul really sound like none of the above.

No, this isn’t your average singer/songwriter act, nor is it some sort of forced melancholia. Rather, Restless in Flight transcends cliches and genre restrictions to fly right alongside the eagles of independent, underground, emotionally available artists who came before, while offering honest-to-goodness hope for the future. Quite simply a record you NEED to hear in 2011: Forest of the Soul is brilliant. Rating: A+

Highwire Daze (Kenneth Morton)
Compositions of such beauty and intrigue need not come from distant shores of another land. Forest Of The Soul is from West Virginia – a two man acoustic band whose tapestries of fine art are breathtaking as well as soothing to the ears. Their latest effort Restless In Flight is a wondrous journey through time and other complexities – an adventure in sound that is stunning and picturesque. While holding memberships in extreme entities such as Harvist and Nechochwen, the Forest Of The Soul creators have come up with something serenely progressive. Fourteen tracks in all, saluting the great mysteries of Mother Nature throughout. Here are just a few of the various highlights to be found within the earthy atmospherics of the album.

The title cut opens Restless In Flight on a mystical note, featuring gripping vocals and magnificent instrumentations. Alone Desert Rose is desolate and sweeping in scope. Without You absolutely soars with its majestic classic rock influences. Daily Bread is a jam celebrating the goodness and tranquillity to be found within the provisions of nature.

Green Heroes is the perfect Irish tavern song – complete with playful harmonica and infectious singalong chorus. Mother Tongue is devastating when conveying the stunning loss of one’s own cultural identity. Evenfall is a wistful and haunting reverie that is thoroughly compelling to to the senses. Sweet And Lowdown definitely brings on the party with its playful banjo and carefree lyrical content. And be sure to stay through to the end for the band’s namesake song Forest Of The Soul, a thoroughly satisfying conclusion that is grand and dramatic.

The two artists who present to you Forest Of The Soul do so with a good deal of imagination and commitment. Aaron Carey and Andrew Della Cagna are their names, and the tapestries they create are timeless and inspiring. Repeated venturing into this enigmatic woodland is recommended to fully appreciate the richly rewarding sonnets radiating from the exquisite passages of Restless In Flight. Fans of bands such as Anathema, Green Carnation, and Agalloch may find a whole lot to treasure when encountering what this remarkable duo has to offer.

Blistering.com (Justin Donnelly)
Forest of the Soul isn’t what you would call a well known act, despite having been around for seven years and recording two releases within that time. But while the band is a bit of an unknown, the pair that make up the band’s line-up do have a bit of a history within the metal scene, with classical/jazz guitarist Aaron Carey the creative and musical mastermind behind the acoustic/darker toned folk outfit Nechochwen and vocalist/guitarist/bassist/drummer Andrew Della Cagna having been a session member for an endless list of bands, in addition to serving as a full member of acts such as Moonthrone, Wilderkin and Dofka. All this adds up to primarily an acoustic effort, with some progressive/folk influences.

On the opening title track “Restless In Flight”, the pair showcase their strong song writing abilities with a mid-paced acoustic rock song that reveals itself to have many layers and some interesting twists throughout, and matched perfectly with some great vocals from Cagna (reminiscent of current Times of Grace/former Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach), and some stunning guitar playing from Carey.

The two part “Alone/Desert Rose” is a definite standout with Cagna putting in a powerful and emotive performance alongside Carey, who provides a suitably dramatic and atmospheric slower paced musical backdrop, while the rock-based “Without You”, the beautifully crafted “The Line,” jam session sounding “Daily Bread” and the percussive heavy “Evenfall” are further highlights dotted throughout the album.

Outside of the vocal tracks, Carey gets to shine on instrumental tracks such as “Auburn Hill”, the mellow “Forgotten Day”, the country-tinged “My Betrothed” and the lively “Summer Glades”, before the duo pair up for the darker and more folk based “Forest Of The Soul” to finish up the album.

Unfortunately, the album does falter at certain points, particularly when the pair opts for a style and direction that goes against the style found on most of the album. Examples of those odd departures can be found in the Irish jig/tune “Green Heroes,” the electric “Mother Tongue” and the country based “Sweet And Lowdown.” While all three tracks are good songs, their inclusion doesn’t quite sit well with the mood and feel of the remainder of the album, which only gives the tail end of the album an inconsistency that mars an otherwise finely crafted effort.

Barring a few wayward sounding tracks, Restless In Flight is a fantastic acoustic based album that follows in the footsteps of Anathema, Opeth and Green Carnation’s acoustic efforts. This is a stunning display of musicianship and quality songwriting, and comes highly recommended. [8.5/10]

Hammer Smashed Sound
We don't just review metal records here; we're open to all sorts of music. This record is a case in point. There is no metal here; not even a little.

Cosmos Gaming (Chris Dahlberg)
Forest of the Soul is a project created by Andrew Della Cagna and Aaron Carey, two musicians that have been involved in the US black metal scene in bands such as Harvist (a band that I actually just reviewed a few weeks back). But this project is not metal related, as its purpose was to take influence from blues and folk music from Ireland and Italy in addition to some Native American styles. Their first effort was self released but still managed to generate quite a bit of buzz, and several years later they have returned with Restless in Flight on Bindrune Recordings. It’s an extremely diverse and lengthy effort that is going to take some time for listeners to absorb, but if you’re interested in material that really nails the outdoor folk vibe this is worth tracking down.

One of the things that stood out in my mind about Restless in Flight was that the instrumentals never repeated themselves. A lot of acoustic/folk material that I’ve heard from the metal scene has picked a particular sound and then repeated it for 40-50 minutes, but this is not what Forest of the Soul has done. They have created an hour and four minute long effort that is constantly changing from song to sound while retaining a mystical atmosphere. Stylistically there is everything on here from acoustic folk to Celtic ballad and blues, and part of the fun of this album is discovering just what the duo comes up with next. While the long running time does make it a little hard to really take in everything at once, there are more than enough breathtaking moments that will make listeners want to keep going.

The album seems to be about equally split between songs that place all of the emphasis on the instrumentals and those that give a lot of emphasis to the vocals. Admittedly the vocals are one area that could divide opinions, as the super mellow singing that sounds close to folk and even some older country at times may be too much for some people that are mostly into metal but if you’re like me and enjoy a little bit of everything then you’ll find they are well performed. There are one or two songs where the singing seemed a tad bit off from the instrumental arrangements, but this was a rare occurrence and was towards the beginning of the album as by the end it sounded as though things meshed together better.

Restless in Flight is a pleasant surprise from Bindrune Recordings, who I have associated with progressive and folk tinged black metal but not pure folk/acoustic material. There may be some minor vocal quirks on a few of the songs and the album is a lot to take in all at once, but it ultimately doesn’t hold Forest of the Soul’s latest from greatness. You can tell that a lot of time was spent creating these tracks as each one sounds unique and pulls from different influences, and it leaves me wondering what else is left for these musicians to explore.

Absolute Zero Media (Clint Listing)
This is an interesting beast to say the least it like an acoustic verision of Opeth mix with elements of Porcupine Tree, Yes, Old Genesis, Aerial Ruin, Tantric, Kansas and Steve Von Till solo material. Yes it very prog in nature but that is part of its magic i feel. Love the very complex acoustic guitar and bass elements going on. Forest of the soul have an Americana / Blue Grass sound that is happening . This is very out of place for the Metallic doom and blackened world the Bindrune normally gives us. There is a somber and ritualistic element going on there I thin this about would be so much more at home with Glass throat label or even a label like Inside out or Laser's Edge. The music with Forest of the Soul is so fragile and introspective. Love the harmony vocals there so passionate . I really was not ready for this big thumbs up for a very special release.

Dark Underground Music Zine
Forest Of The Soul are a band from West Virginia that is a side project of Nechochwen that plays a mixture of neo-folk and countyr music with a progressive rock edge and this is a review of their 2011 album "Restless In Flight" which was released by Bindrune Recordings.

Drums are mostly slow to midpaced drumming with no fast playing and at times they sound tribal, while the synths are a very dark sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone that adds to the darkness of the music, in addition there is a harmonica being used on one song.

Rhythm guitars are all accoustic guitar riffs that combine neo-folk, country music and progressive rock mixed in with some finger picking that gives the music a classical feel while the lead guitars have a bluesy and progressive rock feel to them with some slide guitar playing being thrown in at times.

Vocals are all clean singing vocals with some black metal style whispers being used on the last song, while the lyrics cover dark and everyday themes, as for the production it has a very dark and professional sound to it.

In my opinion Forest Of The Souul are a very good neo-folk/country/progressive rock and if you are looking for aband that mixes these styles in a more dark direction, you should check ou this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Restless And Flight" "Green Heroes" "Sweet And Low Down" and "Forest Of The Soul". RECEMMONDED BUY.