A FOREST OF STARS - A SHADOWPLAY FOR YESTERDAYS (2012)
UK black metal band that play atmospheric black metal, throwing in a piano, a flute and a violin while maintaining a style and an image of the Victorian era. Suits, waistcoats, an occasional top-hat, and long dresses and corsets.
I was late to the party with the new album but I'm not surprised they did what they did, and shift much further from black to progressive/avante-garde. Atmospheric black metal bands get a lot of stick in certain, often close-minded or traditional black circles and so when you go as far as these guys do, I can imagine the critics line up around the corner.
Not that I necessarily think thats the reason for the shift, they just always seemed like they would benefit from this shift, in my book. The elements of a more avant-garde outfit were all there. I'm on my first listen at the moment and I'm not sure either way yet but I am finding it very, very interesting at least.
PS ...was that an accordion I just heard?