3.5 /5
Rating
Written by MetalMike
Published July 14, 2023

Fifth album from this German band going by Winterstorm, a name that sits at the odd crossroad where you wonder, "based on that name, do they play power metal or black metal?" Power metal it is, and it sounds like the musicians involved know their way around their instruments as expected from a band five albums into their career. Overall, they play a kind of cinematic power metal similar to what you might hear from Edenbridge but with less catchy songwriting. It's got plenty of melody, male and female vocals (both clean), intricate playing, etc. It is familiar, in a good way, but the issue I have with Everfrost is the production. It is clear that Winterstorm are aiming for a big, bombastic sound but the production seems muted and throttles a lot of the energy that you can hear trying to come out but never quite makes it. I know this album wants me to throw my hands in the air and shout along with a chorus, but it doesn't grab me in that way at all. There are some perfectly good tracks like the speedy "To the End of All Known" and the Sabaton-esque, marching "Everfrost" and no real clunkers, so power metal fans aren't likely to dislike the album but, in a field where bigger, faster, and more over-the-top are the prize, Winterstorm appear to have just missed the brass ring this time around.

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