For more than two decades, FINSTERFORST have been shaping their own distinctive voice within extreme metal, continuously evolving both musically and lyrically without ever losing their core identity. Their sound merges elements from a wide spectrum of heavy music — from black and folk-inspired roots to epic, atmospheric and post-metal influences — forming a style they refer to as “Black Forest Metal”: a blend that feels both deeply rooted and entirely its own.
Rather than fitting into a single label, their music thrives on contrast and fusion: crushing heaviness meets vast, cinematic atmospheres; raw aggression unfolds into melancholic, emotional depth; and monumental arrangements carry a sense of both intimacy and scale. While often described in broader terms as epic, atmospheric or post-influenced extreme metal, FINSTERFORST deliberately transcend genre boundaries.
The result is a sound that is brutally powerful yet richly layered, where sadness, rage, triumph and grandeur coexist within expansive compositions. Driven by constant progression and a refusal to stand still, FINSTERFORST continue to refine a vision that is as immersive as it is unmistakable.
Cover artwork by Yaroslav Gerzhedovich. Produced at Iguana Studios with Christoph Brandes.
Tracklist:
1. Obduktion 2. Herbstwanderung 3. Knie nieder 4. Im Wind 5. Stille Nacht 6. Fels 7. Leere 8. Beyond the north waves (Immortal cover) 9. Another brick in the wall Pt. II (Pink Floyd cover)
Line-up:
Olli Berlin – dirty and clean vocals Johannes Joseph – clean solo vocals, accordion, additional choir vocals Simon Käflein – lead, rhythm & acoustic guitars, additional clean vocals, synth & orchestral arrangements David Schuldis – lead & rhythm guitars Tobias Weinreich – bass Cornelius Heck – drums Sebastian Scherrer – keyboards
Special guests: Shanty Peter und die Badweihermatrosengewerkschaftskapelle (Flo, André, Johnny, Tobi & Tolo) – epic Black Forest choir
Tourdates:
29.05.2026 - Rock Metal Camp Fest, Saint-Hilaire-les-Places, Limoges, FR 30.05.2026 - Lid Ar Morrigan Festival VIII, Le Champilambart, Vallet, FR 20.06.2026 - Met Bar, Lenzburg, CH 27.06.2026 - Special "Still" Pre-Release Show at ArTik, Freiburg im Breisgau, DE 01.08.2026 - Wacken Open Air, Wacken, DE
