Artist: Winterus
Title: In Carbon Mysticism
Type: Album
Label: Lifeforce Records

BOLD proclamations of genius courtesy of Lifeforce for this fresh-faced post-black outfit from the States in which they are proudly proclaimed as standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Enslaved and Wolves in the Throne Room. Really now? Given that this is an ever-increasingly crowded genre that currently shows no sign of abating, these are pretty impressive claims, particularly for a band that is barely two years old. Inevitably, ‘In Carbon Mysticism’ doesn’t live up to these frankly absurd statements but it must be said, even in this relatively embryonic stage, it’s obvious that Winterus already have an understanding of what it takes to craft effective ambient post black metal.

Demonstrating a deft understanding of the balance between aggression and reflective despondency, ‘In Carbon Mysticism’ is an engaging and at times affecting listen across its nine brief tracks. Yes, there are some obvious duff points – the production is weird (and not in a good way - the snare of what is blatantly an electronic drumkit is almost inaudible and the kicks sound terrible) and there are some rather clunky sub-Dissection passages that should have been jettisoned without a second thought in the rehearsal room. Generally though, the Americans have got their act nailed down pretty tightly on this record. Ultra-fast blasts underpin waves of melodic, sawing guitars whilst billowing streamers of delay-soaked lead lines glitter across the viciousness, counteracting the relentless attack of the drums.

Winterus’ ear for an affecting melody is unquestionable – intro ‘Lone Wolves’ may reek of Wolves in the Throne Room’s ‘Dea Artio’ but it has a melancholy that makes it the band’s own. The album actually improves as it progresses – ‘No Rest’ and ‘Reborn’ containing some of the less compelling Dissection-lite moments – but once ‘Harmonious’ blossoms into a crescendo of escalating melody, the band really hit their stride. This culminates in the pastoral finale of ‘Through the Mists’ which contains some of the album’s best moments. The four-piece have a way to go until they reach the heights of their influences but ‘In Carbon Mysticism’ is a promising start.

http://www.myspace.com/winterus