“Emerald Forest And The Blackbird”, the fifth full-length album from Finnish doom metallers SWALLOW THE SUN, has entered the official chart in the band’s home country at position No. 2. Released on February 1 via Spinefarm Records, the CD was recorded during September and October 2011 by Mikko Karmila (NIGHTWISH, AMORPHIS, CHILDREN OF BODOM) at Drumforest Studios in Viitasaari and Sonic Pump 2 in Helsinki, and by Hannu Honkonen at Noisework Studios in Helsinki. The effort was mixed by Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, APOCALYPTICA, AMORPHIS, MOONSPELL) and will be mastered by Mika Jussila (NIGHTWISH, AMORPHIS, SENTENCED) at Finnvox Studios. The artwork was once again created by Rami Mursula.

Commented SWALLOW THE SUN‘s main songwriter Juha Raivio: “I found myself listening to an old Finnish lullaby called ‘Sininen Uni’ over and over again, and suddenly images started pouring into my mind of a dad reading a tale to his dying child, trying to explain where the child is going that night, the tale of Emerald Forest and the Blackbird. Finally this image lead me into a long journey through this night and got me trapped in the limbo between the dusk and the dawn. The place where you face your demons and angels, meet the souls of the ones you loved and lost.

“Will we walk the night forever, or let the night forgive us and let us say a last goodbye? These are songs from the limbo, notes of sorrow, hate, love, darkness and light. The tale of Emerald Forest and the Blackbird.”

“Emerald Forest And The Blackbird” track listing:

01. Emerald Forest And The Blackbird
02. This Cut Is The Deepest
03. Hate, Lead The Way
04. Cathedral Walls (feat. Anette Olzon)
05. Hearts Wide Shut
06. Silent Towers
07. Labyrinth Of London (Horror Pt. IV)
08. Of Death And Corruption
09. April 14th
10. Night Will Forgive Us

The “Cathedral Walls” video, which features a guest vocal appearance by NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon, can be seen below.

“When I got to listen to the rough demo of ‘Cathedral Walls’, I fell in love with the song immediately and I was so honoured to be asked to sing on this song,” said Anette. “The melody and lyrics are truly beautiful.”

Aleah Stanbridge of TREES OF ETERNITY — whose ethereal voice is familiar from SWALLOW THE SUN‘s previous works — is featured on two tracks.

Source: Blabbermouth.net