Before delving into the article and the music, Coldwinter recorded their debut album, Cold Light of the Horizon Dawning. Plagued by numerous problems during the production phases, by a label Vlad Basarab Records, who proposed to release the album, and then gave up on the release. Leaving everyone in the band very embarrassed about all this, to a certain extent. Finally completed in January 2020, the band signed a long-awaited deal with Eclipsys Lunarys Productions & Anaites Records and released their debut album, Cold Light of the Horizon Dawning in January 2020.
The moment the listener hits the play button, they are enveloped by the chilling ambiance of Into (Act 1). The haunting calls of crows seem to beckon them into a lyrical (theatrical) exploration of profound themes such as melancholy, despair, anguish, depression, heartbreak, and sorrow.
As the listener plunges into the icy depths, with the second track, Before Dawn To Darkness, and continues through the subsequent ten pieces. Providing the listener to an expansive journey lasting over sixty minutes, divided into twelve cold and haunting tracks. This music careful encapsulates the essence of coldness, immersing the listener in its chilling embrace. The album intertwines the ethereal landscapes of atmospheric black metal with the weighty despair of doom metal, crafting a profound emotional soundscape. This harmonious blend, a testament to artistic devilmanship, promises to send shivers down the spine and freeze the very soul of anyone who dares to listen.
Coldwinter and their album, Cold Light of the Horizon Dawning, captures an exquisite balance in its languid tempo, enveloping the listener in a soundscape that is both haunting and desolate. The music unfolds slowly, evoking a profound sense of isolation and vulnerability amidst the stark, frigid expanse of emptiness. Each note resonates with a chilling beauty, drawing one deeper into a realm where solitude reigns supreme.
Yet, within this bleakness lies an enchanting quality that transcends mere despair. The ethereal aura woven throughout the composition hints at a glimmer of hope, a whisper of magic that lingers in the air. As the melodies drift and intertwine, they create a captivating contrast, inviting the listener to explore the delicate interplay between loneliness and the allure of the unknown.
The instrumental composition, both in its musicality and lyrical essence, emerges from the depths of this forbidden fruit of art creativity. It envelops the listener in a tapestry of guitar work, characterized by heavy, brooding riffs and intricate melodic passages, featuring tremolo picking, power chords, and soaring solos that, while powerful, do not necessarily warm the listener’s heart. The juxtaposition of harsh, black metal growls with clean, melodic vocals enriches the emotional landscape of the music; the guttural screams express profound anguish and despair, while the serene melodies offer a reflective counterbalance. The use of reverb and other effects on the vocals helps to create a distant and haunting feel, further enhancing the band’s atmospheric sound, mirroring the themes of sorrow and melancholy woven throughout the lyrics. The drumming lays a solid groundwork, employing blast beats, double bass rhythms, and complex fills to instil a sense of urgency and fervour.
Meanwhile, the synths craft haunting, ambient soundscapes that complement the heavy guitar riffs and provide a stark contrast to the more aggressive elements, enhancing the overall emotional resonance and otherworldly atmosphere of their compositions. The entire composition is enveloped in a robust production, crafting a sound that is both powerful and impeccably refined, all while preserving the chilling, raw essence of the music.
While some tracks may stretch on for a while, they certainly don’t fall into the realm of monotony. The dynamic shifts in instrumental arrangements, particularly the interplay of guitar, drums, synths and vocals, ensure that the music remains captivating for the audience. Each piece is layered with various elements and sound effects, creating a rich auditory experience that envelops the listener. The production is robust and impactful, effectively keeping any chill at bay.
At the same time, songs such as When The Storm Gives Way to the Darkness showcases captivating instrumental solos, while Thunderstorm (Snowstorms) intertwines synth melodies with dynamic riffs and vocals. The drumming creates a rhythmic representation of a storm, effectively engaging the listener and enhancing the overall experience. Overall, all twelve songs, weave a tapestry of sound that draws you deeper into the music. The intricate compositions and thoughtful arrangements invite you to lose yourself in the haunting melodies and dark atmosphere.
Coldwinter and their album “Cold Light of the Horizon Dawning” is a must for any atmospheric black/doom fans.
As the album gently drifts to a close, enveloped in a chilly ambiance, the final two tracks, Songs From The Earth Pt. 1 and Pt. 2, present a mesmerizing arrangement. The album features only synthesizers and what seem to be leather drums, all enhanced by otherworldly vocals. Together, these pieces weave a soundscape that captures the very spirit of Mother Earth, inviting listeners into a profoundly spiritual journey, and bringing the album to a flawless conclusion.
We want to give a shoutout to Coldwinter for letting us review their album Cold Light of the Horizon. Now, we are going to conclude the review by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review
