I have had my fair share of witnessing bands of many different creeds and genres pivot their sound to something that is certifiably different be it from the likes of Opeth or recently Horrendous, but there are cases when we see a change happen that cannot be considered anything less than a wild turn that many wouldn’t have likely anticipated. There are plenty of bands out there that are poised to do that very thing, but Iskandr was not one that I was expecting that from. Having already risen the ranks of the black metal underworld with surprising speed and quality, it’s with this new offering that we see a completely different side to the act. Practically shedding all of its metal attributes for something completely unanticipated, this new effort is sure to split hairs among fans.

Personally, I don’t mind it when bands change their sound be it for the long run or a one-off creation that was designed to be just that. Whichever is the case for Iskandr I know not, but all that’s been brought forth for the seven tracks of “Spiritus Sylvestris” is sure to catch many people off-guard. Viciously hypnotic and soul-touching to the point where Iskandr needs to only wave its hand at any point throughout the record, and you’re immediately wrapped between its fingers in magnificent euphoria. The abandonment of black metal is sure to displease some, but those who walk into this experience with an open mind will find that Iskandr has truly broken free of any confines that it or anyone else may have placed the act in over the years with the doom and folk aspects of this record truly undeniable right from the beginning. An ethereal air fills the very whole of “Spiritus Sylvestris” from the melodies having true magic about their notes and mysticism in every given minute of the album. Just as capable of catchy beats that grab you from the very beginning as it is of enchanting atmospheres to entice you even further, this is a real shock of an album from the likes of Iskandr but I can’t help but welcome it with open arms.

Almost certainly, this album will be dismissed by many who were expecting a proper sequel to what was thrown down in 2021’s “Vergezicht”, and I would call those people narrow-minded should they not even give this piece a chance. A wild shift in all regards but no less than spectacular in all that it accomplishes, “Spiritus Sylvestris” could be the start of a different direction for Iskandr’s sound or a mere stop before resuming the previous sonic journey, but the fact will always remain that this album is something of an ancient nature that pulls you in closely to never once let you go with even the very echoes of the album itself leaving a last impact on your psyche.

“Spiritus Sylvestris” releases on September 29th via Eisenwald!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Spiritus Sylvestris” on Bandcamp here.