Album review : WINTERSTORM – Everfrost
AFM Records [Release date 14.07.23]
It’s always the case with music like Winterstorm’s – a refreshing mix of Nordic Viking metal, folk, and fast-paced orchestral power metal – that you have to get with the programme to really appreciate it.
Let’s be honest, this sub genre operates in a relatively narrow waveband, it’s easy to tune out.
That’s why the opening track is always an influential, atmospheric scene setter. In this case, 2 minutes of hypnotic, half whispered monologue about mankind’s origins and likely fate. And it’s not good news.
Musically, ‘To The End Of All Known’, a shrewd mix of folky call and response, reinforced with steely, speedy riffs and macho choruses seems to have it all. But no, the band create some elbow room for moments of cinematic orchestration, adding a classical texture to the music’s contemporary metal sound.
For those unfamiliar with Winsterstorm’s work, this band work from such a huge palette, illustrated by ‘The Phoenix Died’ and ‘Circle of Greed’, that the music is impossible to pin down. The band’s familiar piano / guitar / riff combination has been refined and perfected to the point it fits like the proverbial glove. Vocalist, Alexander Schirmer’s macho, fire breathing vocals are neatly counterpointed here by guest, Elina (Leaves Eyes) Siirala’s sweet soprano.
Lyrically, song titles like ‘Final Journey’ and of course ‘’Everfrost’ and ‘Silence’ point to end days, although ‘Future Times’ and ‘Crusade’, both propelled by galloping, beefed up riffs and powerful, hard hitting rhythms, assure us that all is not lost. ***1/2
Review by Brian McGowan
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