A slow, heavy vocal opening that feels like fog rolling through trees. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Matsuri is the PS2 version of the series, and this opening theme single delivers. "Forest of Grief" lives up to its name with this deep, atmospheric weight that sits on your chest.
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"Complex Image" takes a different approach as the coupling track, pulling things in a more layered, intricate direction. The off-vocal versions reveal just how much the instrumental arrangements carry on their own. Four tracks, all serving the same dark mood from slightly different angles.
The PS2 era production gives everything a richness that the original PC sound engine couldn't quite match. Put this on if you want to make a rainy Tuesday evening feel appropriately dramatic and vaguely threatening.