Resistance Is Futile: Gothic Aesthetic Unveil Their Fierce Debut Album, Tales of the Dark Forest

Tales of the Dark Forest is one of the most potent and intense debut albums I've come across in some time. Courtesy of a Paris-based duo who perform under the moniker Gothic Aesthetic, the ten-track offering is a shadowy and cinematic masterpiece. From gothic metal to symphonic ballads, it's a record filled with sharp guitar riffs, pounding drum work, and the truly remarkable vocal chops of a man known only as Savage. 

Witch is the album's thunderous opener, and a more perfect scene-setter you will struggle to find. Dark and eerie, it sucks you into Gothic Aesthetic's soundscape, before The Raven enters proceedings and reaffirms that from this point on, resistance is futile.

Cursed Forest is described by the duo as "a cinematic journey through shadows, ancient spells, and forgotten sins," while Iron Mask leans into symphonic grandeur, giving the track a theatrical weight that works flawlessly.

Other personal favourites included the majestic Blood of the Moon, the haunting genius of Bride of Shadow, and the record's somewhat eclectic closer Final Bell. The thing is, though, Tales of the Dark Forest is an album that deserves your undivided attention from start to finish. It's a sensational piece of work, and Gothic Aesthetic are undoubtedly the real deal!

Follow Gothic Aesthetic on Instagram