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VINTERRIKET
"Der letzte Winter: Der Ewigkeit
Entgegen" (Flood the Earth Records; 2005)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Having previously been exposed to Vinterriket
as a result of their split CD with Northaunt
I was intimately aware of Vinterriket’s ambient approach to hypnotic,
symphonic black metal. “Der letzte Winter: Der Ewigkeit entgegen” is a
full-length release from Vinterriket.
For the purpose of elucidation I offer that Vinterriket describes the band’s
philosophy and musical style as a “tribute to the dark side of nature” –
that self-description is pretty much on the mark. One can easily imagine the
band’s work as a soundtrack for an IMAX film whilst a soaring aircraft loaded
with HD cameras glides over a mountainous, snow-capped, uninhabited landscape.
The band further provides its own description of their music as “frosty, grim,
symphonic, avant-garde Winter, metal mixed with dark, cold, melancholic and
desolate synth landscapes.” This, too, is right on the mark; yet, the words
"haunting" and "slick" are both equally appropriate.
“Der letzte Winter: Der Ewigkeit entgegen” offers keyboard/synth dominated
music. The guitars, if present, are of the quickly strummed, heavily processed,
dense sheen that provides the foundation for the music’s melancholy sound. The
vocals/lyrics are barely audible which seems to echo whispering winds. The
drums/percussion are more evident here and, when present, are probably a bit too
intense for something designed to be truly ambient and melancholic.
“Der letzte Winter: Der Ewigkeit entgegen” is indeed interesting stuff;
however, it’s not something that I would frequently listen to.
“Der letzte Winter: Der Ewigkeit entgegen”
was produced by Vinterriket. The production is clear and true – perfect
for the ambient style and devoid of the clattered racket esthetic that generally
poisons most black metal efforts.
For more information visit http://www.vinterriket.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised:
16 Sep 2024 12:51:58 -0400
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