Ashtoreth & Forestaal – Vein (Digital Album – Ashtoreth & Forestaal)
This work is a collaboration between Peter Verwimp (Ashtoreth) and Timo Jacobs (Forestaal). For Ashtoreth, it is yet another collaboration, but it also offers listeners the opportunity to discover the lesser-known project Forestaal. This Belgian partnership resulted in two extended tracks.
The opening track is a true gem, captivating the listener for more than seventeen minutes. The atmosphere is deeply dark and heavily infused with Ritual elements. The rather heavy percussion reinforces this ritualistic impression even further. The guitar work introduces an Eastern-tinged flavor that rises to the surface and perfectly complements the overall aesthetic of the piece. Mysterious voices drift through the background, adding another layer of intrigue. All the elements come together seamlessly, making this an outstanding track. The second piece, which is the title track, leans more toward the Experimental side. While the atmosphere remains mysterious and at times fascinating, the composition feels less cohesive as a whole.
Ultimately, Vein is most memorable for its impressive opening track; somewhat paradoxically, the second piece leaves a less convincing overall impression. (Rating:8).
Listen to “Ore”:
About Ashtoreth & Forestaal
Ashtoreth is the dark ambient, ritual and drone project of Belgian musician Peter Verwimp, known for a long series of collaborations. Forestaal is the lesser-documented project of fellow Belgian artist Timo Jacobs.
“Vein” pairs two extended pieces, with Verwimp handling arrangement, mixing and production, and was issued in 2025 alongside the duo’s companion album “Axis”.
Support Side-Line
More people read Side-Line than ever, and there is still no paywall and no advertising. Readers pay for it instead - from $5 a month.
Why we ask
Advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations we have not put up a paywall, and we refuse to add annoying advertising, so we need to ask for your help. Side-Line’s independent journalism takes time, money and hard work to produce, and we do it to push the artists we like, who are equally fighting to survive.
Handled by PayPal.
I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
