Folk inspired metal of any ilk usually fails miserably or sounds too contrived. While Northwinds doesn’t always succeed with harnessing their disparate influences, the results always remain interesting. In addition to traditional doom metal instrumentation the band incorporates synthesizers, organ, chimes, flute, and samples. The synthesizers are at first off-putting, but ultimately provide the tunes with a unique atmosphere. The vocals may be an obstacle for some listeners which remotely sound like a cross between the vocals of Nicola “Cynar” Rossi from Doomraiser and Pagan Altar’s Terry Jones. They are affectional and nasally, yet they complement the music.
While there is no standout track, all of the tunes have unique moments. Album opener and instrumental intro “Turned to Stone” sounds as if it could have been lifted from one of many fantasy videogame cut-scenes or pause menus. It’s dramatic, grandiose, and a bit over-the-top, but it also introduces the listeners to some of the synth sounds that are recurrent throughout the recording. “Land of the Dead” begins with a killer doom riff and highlights some great bass playing accompanied with some atmospheric organ. The album-titled track, “Winter” clocks in at over twenty minutes and uses that time to effectively ebb-and-flow through all of their genre influences.
One of the best things going for Northwinds is superb, classic rock inspired bass playing that both anchors and carries each tune along. The songs teeter precariously over a precipice of ambient passages, progressive doom metal, folk, and classic rock. Despite the tug-of-war of all of these influences ‘Winter’ is not a disjointed mess, but rather a well thought-out, cohesive whole.
Adventurous listeners and fans of classic rock or progressive doom will probably get the most out of ‘Winter’. An initial listen may be off-putting, but with a little patience doom metal fans will be rewarded with the sounds offered by this unique band. Besides, if you make it to the last track you’ll hear an interesting, sped-up, slightly funky cover of Saint Vitus’ “Clear Windowpane”. This album is definitely a grower and worth checking out…7.5/10
Words: Steve Miller
Northwinds | Facebook
With all due respect, this album deserves far more than the somewhat cursory review and 7.5 rating it has received here. Steve admits that 'Winter' is a grower, but perhaps should have allowed it to 'grow' on him a little more prior to writing his review. It is not enough to describe this album as a "well thought-out, cohesive whole" without also describing the remarkable way in which this cohesion is achieved. For instance, the peculiarly upbeat (or "funky") Vitus cover closing the album is initially puzzling, but makes perfect sense if one pays close attention to the album's narrative and thematic flow (I imagine wiping the window panes clear of frost to see the spring after a long Winter). Same with the strangely unmentioned Angelwitch cover. If there are no standout tracks, it's because they're all great! I agree 'Winter' won't appeal to everyone, but I'd hate to think of anyone being put off from getting hold of it because of a lazy 7.5/10 review. That's my two cents' worth anyway :-)
ReplyDeleteFunny how everyone bemoans anything rated under a nine, especially fanboys. Sorry, but this release isn't easily accessible (it actually requires a significant amount of patience), nor is it a stone-cold classic. It's good--but it's not great and the rating reflects that. Overall the review is nothing but positive and most readers should be able to identify a tone that is acclamatory yet circumspect.
ReplyDeleteThe review also failed to mention that the sample added to the Angel Witch cover of "Gorgon" was taken from Terence Fisher's 'The Gorgon'. I guess that was lazy, too? Sorry, there's a fine line between verbosity, economy of words, and overindulging the reader. Besides, the Angel Witch cover is too similar to the original--except for the interesting, moody intro--and it's the weakest track on the album.
If I made a top ten list of 2012 at this moment 'Winter' would be on it...but it would be near the bottom of the list. Obviously no album will appeal to everyone, but the disparate influences found on 'Winter' further narrow its appeal.
A 7.5 is a solid rating and the idea that this album deserves "far more" is curious, especially in light of the fact that the review clearly praises the album and urges potential fans to invest their time and energy into appreciating the band's unique sound.