Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays

What a gem of an album… “Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays”, the impressive third full-length by German duo Empyrium, represents one of the most significant shifts in their trajectory, almost entirely abandoning the metallic elements of their first two works to venture into a purely acoustic, intimate and deeply evocative realm, thus marking the beginning of their neofolk phase built upon acoustic guitars, flute and minimalist arrangements that reinforce a pastoral and melancholic atmosphere.

Far removed from the doom-laden density of “Songs of Moors & Misty Fields”, the duo here embraces more restrained and organic compositions, where Thomas Helm’s clean, operatic voice takes on a central role, supported by simple yet deeply emotional structures. Widely regarded as one of the key references within contemporary dark folk, the album builds a sonic universe that evokes forests, solitude and an almost spiritual connection with nature, establishing Empyrium as one of the most singular and refined acts within the European scene.

This limited digipack edition includes the bonus track “Many Moons Ago...”, recorded live in 2012, as well as an extended booklet.