Year: 2024
Total Time: 32:59
Label: Hells Headbangers Records
WINTER ETERNAL, with their 2021 release «Land of Darkness», began to steadily establish their name in the scene. This year, with «Echoes of Primordial Gnosis» they have confirmed their place in the modern Black Metal world, rooted in the genre’s past while boldly exploring new paths. The recent announcement that WINTER ETERNAL will be the support act for the titans MARDUK in their upcoming Athens concert only further solidifies the recognition the band has rightfully begun to receive.
Soulreaper, the mastermind behind the one-man project WNTER ETERNAL, now based in the enchanting city of Glasgow, Scotland, presents us with a work filled with sonic richness, pure melodic Black Metal. The themes span from the goddess Athena and the Scottish hero William Wallace to more philosophical inquiries. Despite being a one-man band, notable collaborations enrich the album, featuring Hildr Valkyrie on vocals, Matthaios Dakoutros (ART OF SIMPLICITY) on violin, while V. Nuctemeron (CHAINSAW, HERETIC CULT REDEEMER, BURIAL HORDES, among others) takes full charge of the drums.
The album opens with its title track, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Its alternating frantic Black Metal rhythms and melodic lines immediately immerse the listener deep into the album’s psyche. «Two Heavens As One», an epic and grandiose track, with the participation of Alexandros (MACABRE OMEN) at the clean vocals and a lyrical inspiration from Miyamoto Musashi, whose title can be interpreted as *Hyohō Niten Ichi-ryū*, “the strategy of two heavens as one,” a classical style of Japanese swordsmanship pioneered by Musashi.
Next comes a tribute to William Wallace (1270 – August 23, 1305), the Scottish nobleman and patriot who led the First War of Scottish Independence, in the track «Battle Cry». The lead guitar is outstanding, the bass marches with a warlike pulse, and the vocals oscillate between lament and battle cry. «The Serpent’s Curse» carries the spirit of Kawir and references reptilian cults, while the instrumental «Voices» places the listener in a meditative state, offering a moment of reflection amid the narratives and the sonic journey of «Echoes of Primordial Gnosis».
With «Bending the Fabric of Reality» the artist delves into philosophical explorations of reality, conveying his ideas with a concise yet sonically powerful composition. «Sacrifice for Glory» is intense, filled with moments of rage, with the lead guitar acting as a guide toward ultimate sacrifice. The album closes with «The Keeper of Sorrows», following a similar compositional path as «Bending the Fabric of Reality» though it features a bass solo about midway through the song.
WINTER ETERNAL’s latest work serves as a prime example of how one can evolve within Black Metal while retaining the raw power and dark essence that define the genre. «Echoes of Primordial Gnosis» marks a pivotal step forward for the band, promising to captivate both loyal and new listeners with its epic atmosphere and brutal beauty. It is an album that those interested in the trajectory of Black Metal and the genre’s capacity to tell timeless stories must not miss.
Rating: 8/10
Editor: Antonis Braikidis
Related Link: WINTER ETERNAL – Bandcamp Page
