What makes Forest of Evil by Demdike Stare notable?

Forest of Evil received critical acclaim for its innovative sound design and atmospheric depth, helping to define the genre's evolution during the late 2000s. It has since influenced a wide range of artists within the dark ambient and experimental music spheres, earning a notable mention in publications like The Wire for its profound impact on the genre. Released in early 2010, Forest of Evil marked Demdike Stare's second full-length album, following their debut, Symbiosis, from 2009. This album solidified their presence in the dark ambient and electronic music scene, showcasing their distinctive approach to sound manipulation and atmosphere.

How many songs are on Forest of Evil?

Forest of Evil has 2 tracks, running approximately 24 minutes.

Forest of Evil

Demdike Stare · 2010

24 min · 2 tracks · electronic music

A haunting exploration of desolation, weaving intricate soundscapes with a sense of impending doom and ethereal beauty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Forest of Evil (Dusk) — This expansive track encapsulates the album's eerie ambiance with its slow-building layers and unsettling tones that evoke a sense of twilight mystery.
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Forest of Evil (Dawn) — Offering a contrasting sonic experience, this track utilizes lighter textures while maintaining an undercurrent of tension, representing a shift from darkness to a more ambiguous dawn.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

75 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate soundscapes and immersive structure create a compelling listening experience.

What we noticed

The album consists of two long tracks, each over 20 minutes, creating an immersive experience that unfolds gradually.
Each track features layered textures and evolving soundscapes, with a focus on atmospheric elements rather than traditional melodies.
The first track builds tension through dark drones and subtle shifts in dynamics, while the second offers a contrasting sense of resolution and light.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Forest of Evil (Dusk) 14:30
2 Forest of Evil (Dawn) 10:19

What to play next

Listen next

Tryptych

2011

Go back to

Symbiosis

2009

Full Demdike Stare discography Artists like Demdike Stare

dark ambient

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata