Emerald Forest and the Blackbird is the fifth studio album by Finnish death-doom band Swallow the Sun."Swallow the Sun - Discography" . swallowthesun.net. Retrieved on January 22, 2012. The album was released February 1, 2012, by Spinefarm Records. It was also released on limited LP on both green and white vinyl by Svart Records."Swallow the Sun: Emerald Forest and the Blackbird 2LP (green) - Svart Records" . Svart Records. December 24, 2011. Retrieved on January 22, 2012."Swallow the Sun: Emerald Forest and the Blackbird 2LP (white) - Svart Records" . Svart Records. December 24, 2011. Retrieved on January 22, 2012.
The Horror Series concludes from this album, also being on The Morning Never Came, Hope & New Moon.
On January 3, 2012, a music video for the track "Cathedral Walls" was released by the band."BLABBERMOUTH.NET - SWALLOW THE SUN: 'Cathedral Walls' Video Released" . Blabbermouth. January 5, 2012. Retrieved on January 22, 2012. The song features guest vocals by former Nightwish vocalist Anette Olzon. The band made the entire album available for streaming on the Finnish metal magazine Inferno's website, from January 25 until its release a week later on February 1. "Inferno tarjoaa: kuuntele uusi Swallow the Sun -levy!". Inferno. January 25, 2012. Retrieved on January 25, 2012.
This is the last release with Kai Hahto, as he would quit to work with Nightwish two years later.
The song "April 14th" is a memorial to Peter Steele who died on that day in 2010.
Track listing
Personnel Mikko Kotamäki - vocals Markus Jämsen - guitar Juha Raivio - guitar Aleksi Munter - keyboards Matti Honkonen - bass guitar Kai Hahto - drums
Guests Aleah Stanbridge – vocals on tracks 1 and 7 Anette Olzon – vocals on track 4
References