WINTERFYLLETH – The Threnody Of Triumph

October 5th, 2012 by Yiannis

CANDLELIGHT – Out Now

I am not quite sure why loving one’s country and history has become synonymous with being politically right-wing. Fears of such associations which could potentially damage record sales have deprived many artists from presenting aspects of their rich cultural heritage through music. One band that has been continuously battling with these associations and which is openly proud of its Anglo-Saxon roots is the Manchester-spawned Black Metal quartet Winterfylleth – a band whose musical journey started back in 2005 and which is now releasing its third studio album, entitled “The Threnody Of Triumph”.

Winterfylleth are quite old school in their approach to Black Metal, with their fast drumming and simple repetitive themes. Having said that, harmonic guitars hold a very prominent position in their music – an approach that brings them closer to bands like Bathory and Primordial in terms of atmosphere and overall appeal.

This classic approach to song-writing, together with the fact that the average duration of the ten compositions on offer is about seven minutes long means that, although the support from fans of traditional Black Metal is to be expected, the rest of you Metal lovers out there may have to put some extra effort in before you manage to connect with this extreme musical undertaking.

Simplicity and atmosphere characterise the opening track “A Thousand Winters”, as well as its more acoustic guitar infused successor “The Swart Raven”, whose epic harmonies are quite prominent. “Aefteried-Freon” is a much needed acoustic guitar and string-orientated instrumental theme that brings a much welcome break, while paving the way for the much more up-tempo “A Memorial” and “The Glorious Plain”.

Much influenced by the works of the mighty Bathory, the mid-tempo rhythmical “A Soul Unbound” is one of the stand-out tracks of the album – far more adventurous than both “Void Of Light” and “the Fate Of Souls After Death” which seem to trace the band’s trademark musical patters. The last two compositions of the album, namely “Home Is Behind” and the same-titled “The Threnody Of Triumph” are both quite impressive offerings – the former a beautifully-crafted acoustic guitar instrumental piece and the latter – a nine minute opus filled with guitar and vocal variations that only a group of truly seasoned musicians could produce.

Even though I found “The Threnody Of Triumph” to be a fairly enjoyable offering when I was in the mood for this type of music, I cannot fail but notice that my emotional attachment to this ten track release is not the same as that which I normally experience towards the music of the band’s high-profile influences, namely Bathory and Primordial.

Having said that, there are a few moments on this album where Winterfylleth prove that there is a reason why fans of Black Metal hold them in such high esteem – moments which raise my hopes for a potentially outstanding release featuring the band’s name in the near future. Patience, as they say, is a virtue…

John Stefanis

Rating: ***1/2 (3.5/5.0)

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