Bergtagen, the emotive, atmospheric and dark metal outlet of longtime musician and former
Decibel contributor Jon Rosenthal, has announced their long-gestating debut EP,
In Forests Eternal out February 6 via Nebulae Artifacta, with a tape edition to follow in spring 2026 by Nebulae Artifacta and
Realm and Ritual. Preview the release below.
“I never thought I’d revisit this material—It’s from a bygone time,” says Rosenthal. “Twenty years later, here I am, with recordings that finally do these old songs justice. I can’t thank Anthony and Spenser enough for helping bring this release to fruition, and to Rotting Reign and Christophe Szpajdel (the Lord of the Logos) for appropriately visually representing it. I wrote this material when I was 16 and 17—Now I’m approaching 40. Time’s arrow, and so on. To say I’m happy with what we have achieved as a band is an understatement; I am ecstatic. Thanks to everyone who bothered me about bringing Bergtagen back over the years, even as a joke, because you kept it at the back of my mind for a long, long time. Anthony and I have already begun the demo process for new material, and I can’t wait for the world to hear what ‘new’ Bergtagen material sounds like. Hopefully you’ll be hearing from us soon!”
Initially formed in 2006, the band was inspired by a teenage obsession with bands like Ulver, Agalloch and Empyrium. They broke up in 2008 after a couple demo releases, and are now finally back with a catalogue of songs dredged up from old files and Rosenthal’s memory. In a fit of nostalgia, Rosenthal revived Bergtagen with his bandmate in other projects (drummer and acoustic guitarist Anthony W. of Stellar Descent, Boreal, Starless Domain), the band explain. “In late 2025, we recorded more matured versions of the only two songs that survived this 20-year slumber, plus a partially reimagined cover of Agalloch’s ‘You Were But a Ghost In My Arms’ as the In Forests Eternal EP. Mixed and mastered by Spenser Morris (who has also produced material by Panopticon and more) and featuring atmospheric art by Rotting Reign, Bergtagen has truly been brought to life once more.”
NA 26.01 – In Forests Eternal by Bergtagen
Following this album, the band will be writing new material, so if you like this, stay on the lookout.
The post EP Premiere: Bergtagen – <i>In Forests Eternal</i> appeared first on Decibel Magazine.