Aaron Carey is considered one of the most underrated musicians in the metal music scene today.  From his work in metal bands such as Harvist and Angelrust to his work as Nechochwen, he has been good in any style that he plays.  This remarkable range translates over to another project of his called Forest of the Soul, in which he works with long-time collaborator Andrew D’Cagna.  That project’s latest album Restless in Flight is nothing short of spectacular in terms of acoustic guitar playing.

Restless in Flight is akin to the first Nechochwen album Algonkian Mythos in the sense that the acoustic guitars carry the day.  The most notable difference is that Forest of the Soul also has vocals on the album.  Inevitable comparisons between the two will always be there, but one thing that Restless in Flight has more of is that it sounds more along the lines of traditional backwoods folk music.  Given that the duo is based out of the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, the influences are obvious and shine brightly here.  The opening title track is a good opening track that invokes not metal influences (though there is an electric guitar here and there on the album), but the spirit of folk music from as far back as the 70’s in that there is a lot of soul (no pun intended) and the atmosphere is established from the very beginning.  Mixed in with the songs are acoustic interludes such as “Auburn Hill” and “My Betrothed” that put the acoustic guitars in the spotlight.  “Green Heroes” is an Irish-influenced song that shows Forest of the Soul’s influences aren’t limited to one particular style and that they can adapt when necessary.  Trying to describe the beauty in which the elements on Restless in Flight blend together to create something truly enlightening is something that is difficult to put into words, but Forest of the Soul only needs music to get its message across.  Combined with the vocals, Restless in Flight is almost a perfect album in the sense that it invokes emotion.

It seems that everything Aaron Carey touches turns to gold, and Forest of the Soul is no exception.  Restless in Flight is a great album to play, whether it is on a long drive through the country side, relaxing on the patio while taking in a sunny afternoon, or inside a coffeehouse.  It is also one of the most enlightening albums to have been released in recent years.   With a running time of over an hour, Restless in Flight is an example of acoustic guitar playing at its best, as well as an exercise in establishing atmosphere.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Restless in Flight
2.  Auburn Hill
3.  Alone/Desert Rose
4.  Forgotten Day
5.  Without You
6.  My Betrothed
7.  The Line
8.  Summer Glades
9.  Green Heroes
10.  Daily Bread
11.  Mother Tongue
12.  Evenfall
13.  Sweet and Lowdown
14.  Forest of the Soul

Total playing time:  65:00

Release Date: June 7, 2011
Label: Bindrune Recordings

Forest of the Soul - Restless in Flight

Reviewer: Peter

July 2, 2011