Hailing from Norway, IN THE WOODS… ranks as one of the most recognized bands in their country for contributing to the innovative movement of Black Metal in the ’90s. Their renowned releases “Heart Of The Ages” (1995), “Omnio” (1997) and “Strange In Stereo” (1999) are all reflecting their style of doing avantgarde with the old musical blackness from their roots, integrating hints of Progressive, Doom and Post Metal. Surely, they have had a healthy trajectory, with a lot of innovation and changes that have worked to improve their sound. Continuing with their very own style of avantgarde, IN THE WOODS… manage to deliver another record following untrodden paths and pagan tongue. Four years after their latest album “Cease The Day”, now they’re back with “Diversum”, a title that, as far as the group is concerned, is something fresh and remains true to their spirit with changes, with difference and diversity. The most noticeable change in this new release is the integration of Bernt Fjellestad, who has participated in the past in bands such as GUARDIANS OF TIME and SUSPERIA, as well as a guest in Metal opera projects such as ALDARIA and VALLEY OF DOOM, and other groups such as NOVEMBERS DOOM and SCARIOT. A well-rounded vocalist, who knows how to give personality to compositions with a voice that he practices from power to doom. He really rips out his vocal cords with his impressive performance. ‘The Coward’s Way’, ‘Moments’, ‘We Sinful Converge’ and ‘The Malevolent God’ all come out with solid song structures and a strong presence of all instruments. An AMORPHIS like feel of melancholy was often most palpable in a few tracks right at the beginning of the track list. Although later parts of the record is following a similar path, but they could have come up with more variation to make them repeatable. In a modern era, it is assuredly an open field for alternative bands and outfits to sway from their feverish Metal roots into a more atmospheric Post Metal mode with no fixed style. And like it or not, this actually can open the root for interesting new albums where music can be heard without any prejudices of the genre. With that in mind, for the fans of IN THE WOODS… and all open minded fanatics, “Diversum” can be another diverse listening experience. To find out more about the band and record, visit www.facebook.com/inthewoodsomnio or www.facebook.com/soulsellerrecords.