Truth is, we can call Farsot a black metal band only in a very general sense.  Thankfully, there's so much more going on in 'Insects'.  Weaving progressive and dark atmospheric fibres into a blackened framework throughout this second attempt, the five-piece have created an impressively eclectic record.

'Empyrean' shows a distinct Enslaved nod in its clean vocal harmonising and even has slight Agalloch-esque picking, making it the best track on the record.  The soothing track of 7 is a proggy ambient break in the album that sets us up for more mighty chunks of charismatic riffing.  'Adamantine Chains' is as disgruntling and noisy in its opening as it is dark and eerie in the rest of the track.  It wouldn't surprise one to hear that these guys have a couple of Beherit albums on their shelves.  'Withdrawl' shows a brief psychedelic side with wah-wah guitar work in a fine little interlude mid-song before the reflective 'Somnolent' finishes.  An exciting album and a step in the right direction for Farsot.

Reviewed by Calum Robson
Insects is out now on Lupus Lounge

You’ll like this if… you want old-school intensity with a 'post-ish' twist that doesn't distance itself too much from aggressive roots