FMOTP In The Woods... are a difficult band to describe. I think 3 TIMES 7 ON A PILGRIMAGE is a valuable and entertaining release, because it demonstrates their unique and varied sound. Although there's a lot going on in their music, it's rooted in a combination of black metal and classic psychedelic rock. The Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, and King Crimson cover versions make that apparent. Though I haven't listened to all of their music, it seems the black metal components are less prevalent now.

The weakest link in the band's sound is the male vocals, but the music is predominantly instrumental. I'd have to say this is one of my favorite albums by In The Woods.... My reduction of 1 star from the rating is partially due to the vocals. It also because core fans of the band may rank their primary studio albums higher. 3 TIMES 7 ON A PILGRIMAGE would be a terrific one-album introduction to the band for newbies.

Sinkadotentree This was IN THE WOODS... third and last studio album released in 1999. Man i love the mood these guys(and Synne) create in their music. That heavy and melancholic style that is dark and depressing. This one does come across as being more experimental than "Omnio" and it has grown to become for me as good as "Omnio". "Cell" is an incredible ride with Synne's vocals and that dark and brooding soundscape including strings at times. Intense. "Vanish In The Absence Of Truth" is a slow and lava-like tune as the low end guitars grind away and Transit comes in with his vocals. So good ! A top three. "Basememnt Corridors" is strange in stereo indeed. An atmospheric track with Synne's eerie vocals. This is like something out of a Horror movie. "Ion" is almost doom-like and when it kicks in after 2 minutes it's pure bliss. The rest of the album is killer. "Generally More Worried Than Married" is a top three as well.This is the longest track at almost 9 minutes. "Path Of The Righteous" is very bass heavy, in fact my speakers are vibrating. I love when it picks up with male vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. "Dead Man's Creek" continues the heaviness. A haunting calm with strings after 3 minutes then it kicks in again but not as heavy and with female vocals this time. Amazing ! How good is the beginning of "Titan Transcendence" ! Favourite part of the album for me that lasts over 1 1/2 minutes. "By The Banks Of Pandemonium" begins with Transit saying "Let's get this monster rolling". Another dark, slow and heavy tune and my final top three. Obviously i love this band's style and sound and highly recommend either this album or their "Omnio" recording.

Sinkadotentree The Botteri brothers and Synne would go on to become part of GREEN CARNATION's debut and both of these albums are dark, atmospheric, heavy, melancholic and beautiful all at once. I will never fail to sit in wonder as i listen to these two records. Both are elevated beyond the music for me. "Omnio" has a string quartet helping out on four tracks. "Weeping Willow" is my favourite track on here. I just love the guitar early on and after 8 minutes.And it's the only track with keyboards on it. Then there's the 26 minute "Omnio" suite to close the album which is a trip in itself. An emotional masterpiece !

Warthur Strange In Stereo finds In the Woods once again trying to find a progressive take on the gothic metal sound originally set forth by the likes of Anathema, My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost. This time, the influence of gothic rock is even more apparent, to the point where some of the male vocals sound like a shaky impression of Andrew Eldritch from the Sisters of Mercy - and since Andrew Eldritch's singing style tends to sound like a bad impression of David Bowie, the ultimate impression given is of a bad photocopy of a bad photocopy.

And that, to be honest, is what the music sounds like too - a stab at a style of metal which at the time was getting moderate commercial returns and a glowing critical reception, without really producing something that convinces me that the band's hearts are in it. I'll stick to the debut, thanks.

Warthur Whilst In the Woods' debut album was a fascinating blend of Floydian space rock and raw black metal, Omnio presents a slightly artsier take on the gothic metal style, and in particular that especially doomy variety of gothic metal originally honed by the likes of Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride and Anathema. It's a pleasant but forgettable listen, in my experience, and far less compelling than the wild and untamed original album. I guess if you like the idea of In the Woods trying to beat Anathema at their own game it might be an interesting listen, but to be honest Anathema win out every time over this one.