Finnish doom metallers SWALLOW THE SUN have announced details for their fifth full length album, titled Emerald Forest And The Blackbird. According to a press release, the album "features ten tracks of the trademark Swallow The Sun sound of gloom, beauty and despair."

The tracklist is as follows:

'Emerald Forest And The Blackbird'

'This Cut Is The Deepest'

'Hate, Lead The Way'

'Cathedral Walls' (featuring NIGHTWISH's Anette Olzon)

'Hearts Wide Shut'

'Silent Towers'

'Labyrinth Of London (Horror Pt. IV)'

'Of Death And Corruption'

'April 14th'

'Night Will Forgive Us'

"I found myself listening to an old Finnish lullaby called 'Sininen Uni' over and over again, and suddenly images started pouring into my mind of a dad reading a tale to his dying child, trying to explain where the child is going that night, the tale of Emerald Forest and the Blackbird," says Juha Raivio, the main songwriter.

"Finally this image lead me into a long journey through this night and got me trapped in the limbo between the dusk and the dawn. The place where you face your demons and angels, meet the souls of the ones you loved and lost. Will we walk the night forever, or let the night forgive us and let us say a last goodbye? These are songs from the limbo, notes of sorrow, hate, love, darkness and light. The tale of Emerald Forest and the Blackbird."

Anette Olzon of Nightwish fame is featured on 'Cathedral Walls'. Her recognizable voice gives the song the depth and the angelic character it demands.

"When I got to listen to the rough demo of 'Cathedral Walls' I fell in love with the song immediately and I was so honoured to be asked to sing on this song. The melody and lyrics are truly beautiful,"comments Olzon.

In addition, Aleah Stanbridge of TREES OF ETERNITY - whose ethereal voice is familiar from our previous works - is also featured on two tracks.

The album was recorded during September and October 2011 by Mikko Karmila (NIGHTWISH, AMORPHIS and CHILDREN OF BODOM) at Drumforest Studios in Viitasaari and Sonic Pump 2 in Helsinki and by Hannu Honkonen at Noisework Studios in Helsinki.

Emerald Forest And The Blackbird was mixed by Hiili Hiilesmaa, known for his work with HIM, APOCALYPTICA, AMORPHIS and MOONSPELL.

The album will be mastered by Mika Jussila (Nightwish, Amorphis, Sentenced, etc.) at Finnvox Studios. The artwork is once again made by Rami Mursula, whose imagery sets the perfect mood for the album.

Emerald Forest And The Blackbird will be released February 1, 2012 by Spinefarm Records.

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