Winter is coming! as summer is almost over and autumn looms its head I suppose it's time for Winter Storm`s latest release 'Relapse In Time'!
As a first time listener of Winter Storm I suppose a new release is the best time to listen because it's the most relevant to what the bands direction and sound is currently, I expected it to be melodic metal of some description due to the name and i wasnt off the mark in the slightest and its very much welcome.
The albums flow is interesting as the songs start short and get longer at the middle and gradually then get shorter and shorter as the album goes on, i wonder if this was deliberate and has some meaning in regards to the albums themes and concepts....might be reading into it... very likely...
The instrumentation is top notch and vocally solid although subdued and ethereal undercurrent to the music and not the focal point for a change with this genre of metal which is welcome and refreshing!
The tracks that stood out to me the most was 'Astral World/In Time/Lifeless Plain/Ever Dark' the drums and guitar work were really diverse stemming from soft harmonies to shredding and the vocals really stood out on these one`s too
The album is engaging to say the least they showed their diversity and chops within and proved their musicianship with eclectic mix of metal while remaining true to their sound which i will say identifiable by a almost mystical fantasy world they craft.
Overview:
Heavy Melodic metal with gothic metal tinges and prog here and there this album was a pleasure to listen to and the songwriting and musicality of the musicians is to be admired and credited, no doubt a talent group of individuals whom i believe to be loving what they do and it shows.
8/10 RIFFS