Woodfall, the latest full-length from Canadian neofolk trio, MUSK OX, was self-released earlier this year. Nearly six years in the making, Woodfall is an hour-long, five-part progressive chamber folk epic captured via classical guitar, cello, and violin. Inspired by Canada's brilliant landscapes, MUSK OX meshes the acoustic textures of neofolk with the expansiveness of post rock, the intricacies of progressive rock, and the emotional weight of metal into a forlorn sonic passage through natural realms where darkness and light, substance and void, sorrow and joy, exist as a single entity.

In commemoration of its release, today Decibel Magazine reveals the first of a "making-of" series which brings MUSK OX fans up-close-and personal with the band during the Woodfall recording sessions. In part one, band founder/guitarist Nathana�l Larochette discusses Woodfall's inspiration and concept.

In related news, MUSK OX recently released the official Woodfall guitar book. Every note, including which fingers Larochette uses to pluck them, has been meticulously put to paper and beautifully packaged and bound thanks to the support and guidance of Luke Hoskin (Protest The Hero, Sheet Happens Publishing). A must-have for anyone interested in exploring the guitar stylings found on Woodfall.

Now featuring members Raphael Weinroth-Browne (cello) and Evan Runge (violin), MUSK OX has released two full-length albums and three self-recorded demos. Additionally, Larochette offered three interlude contributions to Agalloch's latest full-length release The Serpent & The Sphere, out now on Profound Lore.

"...an elegant, chamber-folk air that manages to be earthy and ethereal at the same time." - A.V. Club

"Whatever it may lack in heavy metal thunder or ravishing grimness, MUSK OX more than makes up for with its richness in atmosphere and emotion, created in tune with the natural world and its terrifying beauty." - Pitchfork

"A captivating, emotional, and masterfully-crafted achievement of not only neofolk music, but of music in general." - Sputnik Music

"A beautifully sculpted instrumental classical folk album...nothing short of epic." - Echoes And Dust

"...the most beautiful album of the year so far. Soft, dreamy, upbeat and ethereal, this needs to be heard by everyone everywhere." - Swirls Of Noise

"I have never heard anything quite like MUSK OX. The closest I can come to a comparison is a baroque quartet who is led by an accomplished classical guitarist. What is truly impressive on Woodfall is how these lengthy songs, ranging from nearly ten minutes long to almost eighteen minutes, are cohesive, and never become dull." - Burning Point

"Despite its relative softness, Woodfall refuses to work as background music; there's too much going on for the album to come together at the subliminal level, a reminder that complexity (both emotional and aesthetic) doesn't have to bang you over the head to demand your attention." - Exclaim

For review links and interview requests contact [email protected].