Winterstorm – Everfrost
Winterstorm – Everfrost
AFM Records
Release Date: 14/07/23
Running Time: 50:51
Review by Paul Hutchings
8/10
Anthemic, euphoric, uplifting, and superbly played. Yes, it’s the power metal of Southern German’s Winterstorm, who have been playing their up-tempo metal since 2008. In that time, they’ve released four full-length albums, but it’s been seven years since “Cube of Infinity” was released in 2016.
“Everfrost” sees the band return in bombastic style, with 11 tracks that will bring a smile to anyone who likes their metal to come in the traditionally over the top style which power metal, when played well, brings in spades. There are new personnel on board as well, with guitarist Jochen Windisch joining the band in 2021.
Following the spoken intro ‘Origin’, which is a classic style often employed by the folk metal bands like Eluvitie, it’s heads down and away we go with the speed metal of ‘To the End of All Known’. From here it’s punchy and rapid paced all the way. The appearance of Leaves Eyes singer Eilna Sirala on ‘The Phoenix Died (Remember)’ adds to the song, while the band can temper the galloping speed on ‘Future Times’ with some gentle keyboards that once more enhance the song.
Musically, Winterstorm are tight. The lead guitars duel and scream across each other, aided by a welcome mix which provides space for all instruments. The engine room of bassist Peter Cerveny and drummer Jonas Hack is rock solid, providing a perfect and concrete platform for the band. Unlike many power metal bands, Alexander Schrimer always keeps the vocals within range, avoiding the need to scream octaves above his limit. His delivery is part storyteller, part conductor, and he’s aided by the backing vocals which embellish the choruses – listen to the epic title track for an illustration.
Talking of ‘Everfrost’, we also get grand, sweeping symphonic elements that provide the dramatic soundscapes to the song. It’s part Maiden in style, but with its own unique approach and signature. Combining the Nordic Viking, folk and orchestral sounds has been key to Winterstorm’s success, and this song is a fine example of their prowess, their control, and their glorious pomp. I’m in agreement with guitarist Michael Liewald: “Its consistently developing, unexpected progression and varied dynamics definitely make” Everfrost” our most multi-faceted number yet”.
Another impressive aspect of “Everfrost” is the ability of the band to maintain the quality. Sure, songs like ‘Crusade’ are a little contrived, but Winterstorm can maintain that direction, combining melody with massive hooks that ensure you’ll be singing the refrain for weeks after you hear it. Listen to the album closer ‘Silence’ and tell me you can’t hear it hours later.
“Everfrost” is about a civilisation on the brink of extinction, triggered by ruthless exploitation, alongside the hope of overcoming those issues. It sounds all too depressingly familiar, and one wonders if the hope which exists in this album can be mirrored by humanity. This writer is sceptical at best, but applied here it does at least sound plausible.
With a solid production thanks to Liewald, who also composed all tracks, and mixed and mastered by Olaf Reitmeier at Wolfsburg’s Gate Studios (Avantasia, Rhapsody), Winterstorm has crafted one of the most enjoyable power metal albums of 2023.
‘Silence’ Official Audio
TRACKLISTING:
01. Origin
02. To The End of All Known
03. The Phoenix Died (Remember)
04. Circle Of Greed
05. Future Times
06. Everfrost
07. Final Journey
08. Fate Of the Atlanteans
09. Crusade
10. Overcome The Fear
11. Silence
LINE-UP:
Peter Cerveny – Bass
Michael Liewald – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Alexander Schirmer – Vocals
Jonas Hack – Drums
Jochen Windisch – Guitars
LINKS:
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