Immortal Souls Wintereich
Facedown Records FCD063 August 21, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Immortal Souls play a Finnish brand of melodic death that shares traits with Scandinavian neighbors such as Swedens Dark Tranquillity and Arch Enemy, though certain melodies recall their fellow Finns Amorphis. Wintereich, similar to predecessor Ice Upon the Night, is a winter-centered album that displays subtle improvements, yet is still only a solid entry in an overdone subgenre that has already seen its best days.
While likening Immortal Souls to any one group would be oversimplifying the matter, theres an undeniable, Gothenburg feel to opener Nightfrost, which has plenty of energy, melodic leadwork, and tight musicianship. Feareaper is more in tune with latter-day Arch Enemy than others, circa 2:15, though Amorphisisms appear here and there. Predictably, however, Frozen Inside, Icon of Ice, Heart of Cold, Winter of My Discontent (Richard III, anyone?), and the rest bring enough to the table to be worth their weight, unless originality is of the utmost priority. Plus, the clean vocals in Black Water and the title track are a pleasant surprise that shouldve been implemented earlier to act as a counterpart to the growls.
Nonetheless, Wintereich doesnt come across as a complete rehash, contrary to the latest installments from Blinded Colony, Sonic Syndicate, and others, which is possibly attributable to ISs personality and fixation on the coldest season. Why is it that bands with the word immortal in their moniker are obsessed with winter? Aside from that phenomenon, investigate this release further if youve an insatiable hunger for melodeath. Otherwise, stick to the classics.
Official Immortal Souls Website
Official Facedown Records Website
Facedown Records FCD063 August 21, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Immortal Souls play a Finnish brand of melodic death that shares traits with Scandinavian neighbors such as Swedens Dark Tranquillity and Arch Enemy, though certain melodies recall their fellow Finns Amorphis. Wintereich, similar to predecessor Ice Upon the Night, is a winter-centered album that displays subtle improvements, yet is still only a solid entry in an overdone subgenre that has already seen its best days.
While likening Immortal Souls to any one group would be oversimplifying the matter, theres an undeniable, Gothenburg feel to opener Nightfrost, which has plenty of energy, melodic leadwork, and tight musicianship. Feareaper is more in tune with latter-day Arch Enemy than others, circa 2:15, though Amorphisisms appear here and there. Predictably, however, Frozen Inside, Icon of Ice, Heart of Cold, Winter of My Discontent (Richard III, anyone?), and the rest bring enough to the table to be worth their weight, unless originality is of the utmost priority. Plus, the clean vocals in Black Water and the title track are a pleasant surprise that shouldve been implemented earlier to act as a counterpart to the growls.
Nonetheless, Wintereich doesnt come across as a complete rehash, contrary to the latest installments from Blinded Colony, Sonic Syndicate, and others, which is possibly attributable to ISs personality and fixation on the coldest season. Why is it that bands with the word immortal in their moniker are obsessed with winter? Aside from that phenomenon, investigate this release further if youve an insatiable hunger for melodeath. Otherwise, stick to the classics.
Official Immortal Souls Website
Official Facedown Records Website
