As we come into the latter part of this particular trip around the sun, Winterfylleth return with a sonic blizzard rammed with a plethora of atmospheric black metal in the form of grandeur composition The Imperious Horizon.
Opening with icy soundscapes and an immediate ominous presence is the instrumental First Light which effortlessly weaves into the blistering Like Brimming Fire showing off an ever-evolving maturity and early on showing that seven releases in just why they are so revered in these isles. As a collective every element is meticulous and by the time Dishonour Enthroned has ended with it captivating narrative there is no doubt for me that is going to end up in a lot of lists this year.
Now although have playing this for what feels like an eternity and pre ordering different formats it is only now that I can sit down a fully digest and appreciate fully the spectacle that this album has formed into, recently the band have announced some accompanying UK dates and in particular I am very much looking forward to hearing the combination of the majestic Upon This Shore and title track The Imperious Horizon.
The longest track of the album In Silent Grace is a great showcasing of the bands musicianship and contains for the most part a slower more purposeful element that really has its own heartbeat with swirling solos and big drum patterns, the addition of Primordial also adds another dynamic.
To The Edge Of Tyranny brings a visceral tone with it, this time with prominent basslines and catchy riffs underpinned with real charge which is complimented with an acoustic folk laden piece Earthen Sorrow is melodic and melancholy in its own right and its short nature is a wonderful introduction to the final track The Insurrection which really completes this 8th releases by really encapsulating the overall aesthetic of the overall creation.
Guitarist/Vocalist C. Naughton commented: “In some ways, the album is a reflection on the mania of the years since the last album, how the world has changed for the worse, and moreover how we all feel like we are living in a more divided and upheaved world ever since! The title speaks to a looming sense of some dominant power or agenda that is coming, just over the horizon. It’s on its way, and we don’t know quite how it will manifest, but we know that it is creeping ever forward, and it is inevitable.”
There has certainly been an outpouring of feelings and emotions throughout this listening journey from utter joy to a deep wavering sorrow which I would not trade in for a single second it is quite simply my album of the year. 10/10
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