UK fivesome WINTER STORM was formed back in 2008, and released their debut album “Serenity in Darkness” two years later. “Within the Frozen Design” is their second full length production, and was self released by the band towards the end of 2013.
The music explored by this UK band is a brand of metal that have stayed popular for quite some time by now: Dramatic metal sporting majestic instrument arrangements with a female lead vocalist in front. Bands of this kind are generally described as Gothic or symphonic metal, and most of the bands feature stylistic tie-ins to traditional heavy metal, power metal or progressive metal. In the case of Winter Storm, the former two applies.
This is a band that has a lot going for them, at least if this album is the one to be used to give them a verdict of any kind. The dominant elements are combinations that are well known and generally effective in creating compelling atmospheres: Dark, rough guitars paired off with smooth, majestic keyboard arrangements that in sum creates a contrasting element with a strong natural tension, that also naturally forms a majestic, powerful and dramatic overall sound.
These contrasting, bombastic elements are well explored by the band, and that they opt for the use of keyboard textures with a chilly, cold feel to them does give their material an edge. That lead vocalist Hannah also sports a darker register to her voice than many other female vocalists with an operatic approach adds an extra dimension to their material, even moire so that she at times has a vocal delivery that manage to combine an almost sleepy sounding voice with an operatic style. That is a blend I haven’t come across too often before.
At best the end result is intriguing, and for me the very best on this production was the track Dark Awakening. The slower pace used here, combined with a monumental, almost Wagnerian sound, makes this feature a standout one. Despite the weak aspects of this album.
A recurring, detrimental aspect of this album resides in the mix and production department. The mix is unbalanced throughout, resulting in a muddy, closed in sound with some elements mixed way to high and loud. Often overpowering, drowning out vocals and instrumental details partially, on a few occasions to the point of some instruments appearing to actually break up. That many songs comes across as intriguing on this production is despite of and not because of this consistent flaw. I’ll also note the the quality of the drum patterns isn’t consistent, and that I generally feel a slight lack of elegance and sophistication in that department.
When that is said, “Within the Frozen Design” is still an interesting production. Audiophiles might want to skip this one for previously stated reasons, but those who tend to enjoy what might be described as dramatic, majestic symphonic heavy metal, and in particular those who enjoy material of that kind that feature a female lead vocalist with an operatic vocal approach, that is the crowd that should give this band and this specific album a listen.
My rating: 72/100
