We are all familiar with the concept of a split album with some of the more unexpectedly interesting experiences in the underground coming from them, but there’s always more to them than what would normally meet the eye. When splits are taken to the next level with real purpose in mind, great things can happen where we’re given sights that would normally be closed to us. Sharing members, Lotus Thief and Forlesen must have recognized that potential that could be tapped into with a simple EP that, given the large talent behind both acts, would definitely be something to behold. In every way, this showcasing proves that over and over again.

A creation like this is certainly hard to pin down when it comes to specifying what exact style we’re dealing in here. We could spend some time trying to identity the differences and similarities between the approaches of Lotus Thief and Forlesen, but it matters not where this split falls in terms of style as it is every given moment of these two tracks that both acts put forth a terrific showcase of their differences and similarities to deliver a performance that is as striking as you could ask for from both acts. A constant thread runs through both of these 11-minute pieces as Lotus Thief and Forlesen tell their own separate tales with each driven by immersive atmospheres that are constantly pulling you deeper within their respective realms to really bask in the glory of what both are more than capable of. Both darkness and light are key players throughout this collaboration with an epic scope and themes that do their best to touch your very soul which is successful more often than not. Meditative and no less than fascinating to gaze upon over and over again, the qualities and tendencies of Lotus Thief and Forlesen are not constricted or held back in any way to ensure that the opposite act has more of the limelight. Rather, this is a creation that represents two sides of the same coin that shares many of the same features yet have clear identities of their own. Where Lotus Thief and Forlesen come into the same dominion, it is the listener that can singularly appreciate the majesty of such a union in all that is has to offer.

Splits like this are well and truly far between with practically every instance of one coming around almost certainly heralding in excellence that cannot be denied. Lotus Thief and Forlesen have always inhabited their own little corners of the underground, and it’s with everything that’s been brought to the table for this creation that it becomes more than apparent the talent, passion, and power that can be found in both acts even as they proudly charge forward doing their own thing.

“Lotus Thief / Forelesen” releases on January 26th via I, Voidhanger Records!

LISTEN to a clip from Lotus Thief’s “In Perdition” on Bandcamp here or via YouTube below.

LIKE Lotus Thief on Facebook here.

LIKE Forlesen on Facebook here.