Total Running Time: 32:40
WINTER ETERNAL is a one-man band from Athens and was founded in 2011 by Stelios Makris (a.k.a. Soulreaper), who is responsible for the bass, guitars and vocals. They have released a demo, their debut in 2013 and a split with the Greek band SAD. (They have also participated in three tribute compilations with songs from ROTTING CHRIST, DISSECTION and LIMBONIC ART). In their previous releases they had session drummers and in the most recent, the percussion was addressed by Ungod from SAD.
The “Realm of the Bleeding Shadows” is their second full length in which they play Melodic Black Metal with clear influences from DISSECTION, UNANIMATED and with a more fantasy- oriented sound in the footsteps of WINDIR. What stands out and impresses immediately is the awesome bass which is clearly heard in front of the remaining strings, taking lead character in several parts (honoring the pioneers NECROMANTIA), a fact that enhances the atmospheric dynamics of the album and gives it a more otherworldly “frozen” sensation.
The vocals of Soulreaper are strongly similar to those of Sakis Tolis of ROTTING CHRIST’s first era, but lag in tension and rage as they sound somewhat unconnected to the musical content. In the glorious instrumental “The Promise” with the intense “dialogue” between the acoustic guitar and violin, you will find that the clear protagonist is the music and the overall atmosphere of the album. The following track “Embrace The Old Ways” is the best song of the album and with its triumphant riff and majestic melodies captivates your attention, while the choral chants in “The Secrets of Time” and the Depressive Black Metal interpretation of Soulreaper in “A Tearful Song” enhance the emotional spectrum of the album.
WINTER ETERNAL, although not innovating, surely are highly noticeable because they capture the essence and the emotion of old school fantasy melodic Black Metal by displaying at the same time admirable technical integrity (also the album’s cover is EPIC!). The awesome bass (and their overall “delicious” strings) makes them stand out and I believe that with a more furious and multidimensional vocal approach they are capable of even better releases.
7,5/10
Giorgos Kolivanos
