Finsterforst

Finsterforst are a folk metal group from Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. The band forms in 2004 and remains active. Its line-up includes Oliver Berlin, Cornelius Heck, Johannes Joseph, Sebastian Scherrer, David Schuldis, Tobias Weinreich and Marco Schomas.

Formation and early line-up

Finsterforst begin in late 2004 with Tobias Weinreich on bass, Sebastian Scherrer on keyboards, Marco Schomas on vocals and Simon Schillinger on guitar. At first the group focuses on songwriting while still looking for additional members, which means it develops a large body of material before it is able to perform it live. In spring 2005 Johannes Joseph joins on accordion, helping to define the band’s sound. By May 2005 the band starts rehearsing, though it still lacks a drummer and a rhythm guitarist. David Schuldis joins on rhythm guitar in October 2005.

Recordings and releases

Finsterforst enter the studio in December 2005 and record the three-track EP Wiege der Finsternis. After signing to Worldchaos Production in December 2006, the band releases its first full-length album, Weltenkraft, in 2007.

Their discography also includes ...zum Tode hin in 2009, Urwerk in 2010, Rastlos in 2012, Mach dich frei in 2015, the EP #YØLØ in 2016, and Zerfall in 2019. Urwerk is a re-release of the band’s first album and EP, with an additional bonus track.

Musical style

Finsterforst are identified as a folk metal group, and their early use of accordion alongside guitars, bass, keyboards and vocals is part of the group’s established sound.