This world is a strange place. Although I live in Croatia and listen to extreme music, THE FROST escaped my attention until I found out about them from Frank the Dark One. Apparently the band comes from Zagreb, my birthplace! They have acquired a cult presence here in these parts and, by listening to this record (and looking at their photo on Metal Archives!), that is completely understandable. Their brand Black Metal reminds me mostly of US new school, represented by LEVITAHAN, DRAUGAR and the likes. Especially the vocals which are massively distorted and miasmic and, through this qualities, ideal for producing a narcotic feeling of warmth and underground spirit. The album starts with ritual drumming and then takes off into the stratospheric mayhem raining the clouds of madness. This is heavy music with the rock groove in the riffs and bass. Basically fast and non-melodic, the album nevertheless produces some guitar melodies (also reminiscent of a LEVIATHAN’s style – especially the cover of Judas Iscariot) that serve as a fresh rest-stop amid the noise. I had a mood swings concerning the quality of production, but in the end decided it is appropriate. There is a poetry in “…Of The Forests Unknown” and I salute the effort of this band. Next time they should just add a pinch of originality in the mix and I will drink it with true pleasure. Check them out: www.myspace.com/thefrosthorde, www.blackmetal.com