Second Choice returns with a spellbinding new release titled “By the Blackened Fern,” an evocative and richly textured single that further solidifies the project’s reputation for immersive, genre-blurring storytelling.
Led by Swedish songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Fredrik Lindström, Second Choice once again joins forces with the extraordinary Dimi De San, whose voice brings a haunting, almost ritualistic presence to this latest collaboration. Following the powerful impact of previous shared works such as “Edge of Light,” “The Haunting,” and “Celestial Tragedy,” this new track feels like both a continuation and a deepening of their creative bond.
Second Choice began as a side project for Lindström—an outlet for musical ideas that didn’t quite fit within the metal bands he played in throughout the early 1990s. Over time, what was once an experimental escape evolved into his main artistic vessel. Revived in 2019 after a period of dormancy, the project thrives on collaboration, pairing Fredrik’s visionary songwriting with carefully chosen vocalists. On “By the Blackened Fern,” that vision reaches a new level of refinement, with Dimi De San delivering a vocal performance that is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Inspired by a compelling blend of influences—including Nightwish, classic heavy metal in the vein of Black Sabbath, and Nordic folk traditions associated with Garmarna, Wardruna, and Heilung—the song also draws heavily from the eerie atmosphere of old folk-horror films. The result is a piece that feels ancient and modern at once, rooted in myth, shadow, and emotional truth.
The track opens with Dimi De San’s entrancing vocals, immediately pulling the listener into a world of moonlit paths, whispered vows, and ritualistic imagery. As the song unfolds, instrumental and rhythmic interludes emerge like slow-burning incantations, building momentum through carefully shaped crescendos. The structure flows seamlessly, guided by Fredrik Lindström’s inventive songwriting and keen sense of dynamics. Bass and drums provide a grounding, almost ceremonial pulse, while the guitar work frames the song with both restraint and intensity, allowing the vocals to remain front and center.
Dimi De San’s performance is the soul of the track—fluid, expressive, and emotionally fearless. Their voice moves effortlessly from hushed, intimate passages to powerful, soaring lines, weaving rich harmonies that elevate the song’s mystical atmosphere. The lyrics, penned by Dimi, are deeply poetic and symbolic, filled with imagery of ash, bells, ravens, and ancient paths. Lines like “I am not lost, I am not free, I walk with what was left of me” resonate with haunting clarity, lingering long after the song fades.
With “By the Blackened Fern,” Second Choice delivers a compelling and immersive listening experience—one that feels less like a conventional song and more like a sonic ritual. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, atmosphere, and fearless artistic exploration. For fans of dark folk, cinematic metal, and emotionally charged storytelling, this release is an absolute must-listen.
Check the links below, discover more about Second Choice and their music, and remember to add their songs to your favorite playlists!
Spotify: Second Choice
YouTube: Second Choice
