Formed in Cyprus in 2004, this is the third album from Winters Verge. It starts off with ‘World of Lies’ and lays down some excellent melodic power metal riffs that would make the likes of Helloween proud. The vocals are sometimes sketchy during the high notes, but also with some of the vocals you feel like the singer from Alestorm is there putting his 50 pence in too. I feel the vocals are stronger and very fitting on ‘Old Mans Wish,’ with impressive harmonies, and there is a groovy 80’s feel intro. ‘I Swear Revenge’ is a track that stood out from the rest to me. The intro is full of feeling, the lyrics meaningful, the drumming impressive... my only bad feedback on this track is there is a really random high note that didn’t need to be there.
A very beautiful beginning to the ballad ‘For Those Who Are Gone’ starts with some peaceful operatic female vocals, then we get to the main male vocals, which are shown off a lot better in this track. Toward the end it belts in with quite an impressive guitar solo and rocks up the ballad and brings it up tempo a little. ‘Envy’ starts off with a little piano solo for a few seconds then cracks open a slice of angry drumming, the lengthy guitar solo sounds more impressive than the last and the vocals just seem to be getting stronger. I found this track to be one of the catchiest on the album.
‘Dark Entries’ is an awesome track featuring some epic galloping drum beats, and there is a small headbanging beat in the middle section, which fit perfectly with some unique guitar work.
‘Reflections of the Past’ starts off with quite an atmospheric bit of keyboard work, followed by guitars and drums, with the bass also having its fair share of airtime, which then quite fittingly 40 seconds into the song goes completely quiet for a short while with just a beautiful little keyboard piece, then bringing in some haunting vocals.
The last track ‘Curse of Time’ I have to say is my favourite. The chilling dark vocals stand out with the haunting keyboard. A well put together track with some skill full drumming and guitar work.
All in all I thought the production work on the album was good. The vocals sometimes I felt needed that little bit more to impress me. The drumming throughout was very impressive and the bass and the catchy guitar work equally as good and keyboard work on the album was beautiful. Although Winters Verge aren’t something new and may sound repetitive at times, I still think the hardcore power metal fans would be interested in owning this album. The band have been confirmed to support Stratovarius on their European tour and quite well deserved too!
http://www.myspace.com/wintersverge
