Winterthrone
The Godslayer ()
Wydane przez Self-financedRok wydania Kraj GermanyNapisał Wouter5
Winterthrone is a German symfo black metal act, headed up by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Steffen Brückner. "The Godslayer" is their third album after sessions in 2004 and 2007. As per usual the influence of Limbonic Art, (pre-"Kings Of Chaos") Hecate Enthroned and (to a lesser degree) Emperor, especially vocally and riffwise, are easy to spot. Compared to a lot of their underground peers Winterthrone are decidedly heavier and cutthroat in their assault, in that sense the comparison to early Limbonic Art rings true. The cuts go through the expected twists and turns without really excelling at any point. The dynamics are interesting and while not nearly as progressive and instrumentally gifted as the Emperors of this world. The foundational elements are all accounted for, yet nowhere does this record go out to establish an identity of its own. The orchestrations are of the usual dark and haunting variety. The black metal aspect of it is relatively engaging although it is hardly a match for luminaries such as Blut Aus Nord or Deathspell Omega. "The Godslayer" is far more accomplished compared to usual underground terms and is a fun listen, although hardly one that begs a revisitation. The artwork and general lay-out is none too fancy, draped entirely in black and grey tones. Not only is this unoriginal in its adhering to unwritten rules of the genre, it also makes it hard to read the printing and production notes. More visually stimulating cover art would be welcomed to as the current one is anything but appealing. The logo could also use an upgrade to something more stimulating, as the current characterless font invokes anything but groans. With better artwork (people like Daniel Valeriani, Erik ‘Tyrant’ Gustafsson, Marco Hassman, Juanjo Castellano and Gabriel T. Byrne come to mind instantly) and a better nuanced, more balanced production Winterthrone might actually be able to conjure up something of interest. As of now their assault is just a little too listless to be of note, either positively or negatively. Fans of early Emperor might find this of interest.
www.winterthrone.de
