Genre: Black/death metal
Origin: Portugal
Released: 2008
Website: Epping Forest
Label: Unexploded Records
Uploaded: 09.04.08

A few years ago, when I first heard a few songs from Epping Forest�s live recorded promo of 2003, I was really intrigued. The sound was extremely rough, and even then it was outdated. But I�ve eagerly been waiting for them to properly record something, and here it finally is. Everblasting struggle is the band�s debut, and it was way overdue.
The �blast� part of the album title sure doesn�t kid around, �cause this is a full-on onslaught of blazing speed. Absolutely hammering drumming accompanied by quite melodic string-work, but adding a brutal touch to by lacing the black metal with doses of death metal. There�s a hefty use of keyboards here, but instead of turning into a symphonic black ensemble it just enhances the melody, and gives it a mythic aura. They seem to be influenced by Norse, Greek and Egyptian mythology, which is sometimes reflected in the music as well as lyrically. The vocals is sort of an upside down Behemoth, meaning screams layered with growls, though keeping the screaming dominant unlike said band.
The majestic black metal can be compared to the early works of Cradle of Filth (before they totally wimped out) and the later works of Dimmu Borgir. But despite the quite melodic tunes they brutalize it with a healthy dose of death metal, not unlike previously mentioned Behemoth. The musicianship is absolutely top notch, as well as the writing which shows a lot of diversity and complexity. And no matter if it�s raging speed or slower breakdowns Epping Forest manage to keep it brutal and melodic at the same time.

Tracklist:
01. The breath of leaves
02. Merging of body and soul
03. Bad omen
04. Battle of ragnarok
05. Everblasting struggle
06. March of the deceased
07. Epping forest
08. Devouring soul
09. Sphinx�s riddle
10. The breath of fire