Album Review: Ephemeral & Domhaim – Of Pine And Oak

Artist: Ephemeral & Domhaim
Title: Of Pine And Oak
Label: These Hands Melt
Release date: May 16th, 2025
Country: Germany/Ireland
Format reviewed: High-quality digital recording

Album Review: Ephemeral & Domhaim – Of Pine And Oak via These Hands Melt by Pegah

“Of Pine And Oak” is a new split release by Ephemeral, a German dark folk trio, and Donhaim, an Irish atmospheric/post-black metal band. Released via the These Hands Melt label, the split features one track from each band. The central themes of the split nature, introspection, and emotional transformation are also reflected in the cover art. It features an evocative, surreal portrait of a face partially obscured by sky, branches, and leaves. The interplay of earthy browns and burning oranges suggests both decay and warmth, mirroring the emotional duality within the music. The figure appears caught between wind and flame, perhaps symbolizing the transition from sorrow to release, echoing the lyrical motif of the sky as a place of freedom. As the gaze moves toward the other corner of the cover, the colors shift into deep greens, suggesting a quiet connection to life.

Ephemeral opens the album with “Skylarks”, a meditative piece where birdsong and kantele intertwine, evoking a strong connection to nature. The track conjures the image of a forest at daybreak a serene and reflective beginning that gently ushers the listener into the world of the split. The flute, another element deeply connected with nature, gradually shifts the atmosphere into something more sorrowful and introspective. As for the lyrics, the sky emerges as the central theme a place of ultimate freedom and release, where sorrow fades once it embraces us.

“Footsteps” enters with a noticeably darker atmosphere. The track opens with the sound of rain, setting a somber tone. As the acoustic guitar emerges, it immediately recalls the delicate, melancholic style of Norwegian artist Vàli. Amid the distant thunder, a spoken-word passage in French emerges, adding a dramatic layer that reinforces the track’s mournful soundscape. The central theme of “Footsteps” is the passage of time a quiet meditation on transience, memory, and the weight each moment leaves behind.

“Of Pine and Oak” is a quiet dialogue between two artists exploring time, sorrow, and the inner emotions. Ephemeral and Donhaim offer distinct yet complementary visions, inviting listeners into a shared space of reflection, where time and nature intertwine. 8,5/10

Band – Ephemeral
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Band – Dohain
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8.5/10 To Greatness and Glory!
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