A dark and dreary style of acoustics, Forest Veil‘s take on "doom folk" has reached new creative and emotive heights with Zoolights. Monica Metzler, the multi-instrumentalist and producer behind the venture, drew on the cathartic release of a grief based project and the transformation of that into auditory expression.
Following the passing of Metzler’s father, she received texts from his phone number containing the word "zoolights." Taking that as a sign of his continual guidance from the cosmos, Metzler embarked on an adventure around the world called ‘Death Ritual’ where she researched the death rituals of numerous cultures. Much of that made its way onto Zoolights as field recordings, molding the album into a collection where research and intimate healing intertwine in a personal journey through despaired loss.
Zoolight‘s ten tracks encompass a wealth of history in emotion. Even the audio ("Mitla," "Forever There," "Spirit Realm") and instrumental ("Flute Interlude i, ii") interludes call for attention, but it’s Forest Veil’s original songs like the one we’re premiering today that show Metzler’s true sentiment.
"Bitter Root," much like the album’s first track "Harem" and the others, shows a certain vulnerability in Metzler through her smokey, grieved vocals and vibrating psych-like riffing. It’s a hauntingly bleary tune with a heartfelt meaning.
Zoolights is due out October 14th via Spirit House Records, with the release show Sunday, the 16th at Rontoms.