In the continued embracing relationship between metal, folk music and the natural world, The Forest Sessions (Kscope) sees Jonathan Hultén (of Tribulation fame) move further afield from his extreme and gothic metal works as far as seemingly logically possible. A follow up to his previous, debut solo effort, The Forest Sessions is an experimental piece as both a visual piece and as its musical companion. 

Initially conjured as a live stream in a forest setting, the video aspect of this consists as a continuous piece comprised of several music videos alongside folksy animations and poetry between the video pieces. The musical accompaniment (the subject of this review) portrays such woodland images with aplomb.

Comprised of reimagining of his previous solo works, The Forest Sessions is as stripped back as it can possibly be, returning to the idea of a forest concert and finding its strength in the limitations this would provide. 

This is predominantly an acoustic performance matched with Hultén low, sultry tones. It’s a winning combination that shows a feeling of serenity and equal aspects of gloom and raised spirits. It wistfully carries an atmosphere and imagery of nature and its beauty throughout, seemingly suiting any time or season, seeking to be experienced in the great outdoors. Picking highlights from this album feels superfluous as it is meant to be enjoyed whilst immersed in the type of location it continuously conveys. 

In many ways, a far departure from which we have mostly come to known from Hultén previously, the transition to a dark folk musician and crooner has proven a fluid transition in to a captivating work of which its setting brings as much to its immersion. The true experience of this is meant for the outdoors, for those aimless rambles amongst the woodlands, regardless of the season. 

Buy the album here:

https://kscopemusic.com/media/jonathanhulten/

7 / 10

CHRIS TIPPELL