from an unnamed full-length that took the show.

Still made up of the same black/death template, the additions of singing bowls, folk-style instruments, and a hefty amount of structure made this show one of the best of the weekend. The intensity of vocalist Dane Olds was cathartic, as he not only was humbled by the number of people who appeared, but also grateful since the band apparently went through silent but trying times. He thanked everyone because real life was particularly hard this year for him, to which an audience member assured all that this, right now, was “real life.” I certainly agree since I want black metal coming from the woods to be real life forever.

Younger Dryas by Dweller in the Valley

If I sound at all romantic aboutthis weekend experience, it should be noted that I fall into the category of people who were excited about the level of bands being showcased. With four bands from Baltimore-based Grimoire Records, Shadow Woods offered a chance to catch a handful of acts that have been scattered around the local area for years. While one of the headliners, Midnight, just played Maryland Deathfest on an afternoon slot a few years back, this was a chance to see them in the woods and by a campfire.

The atmosphere of Shadow Woods cannot be undersold, as the stages ranged from a small club-like inside stage, to a large field venue where space was a premium, to the near-occult-like amphitheater that lay down a trail surrounded by trees. Though I am just