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North Dakota's Frosthelm have been around for 10 years but with only an un-black metal output of one EP and two full-length albums, of which Pyrrhic is the second. The lyrics are delivered in a demonic howl over the mainly speedy (though not tremolo-picked) guitar riffs but they also vary the tempo and don't skimp on the melody which prevents Pyrrhic from racing by in blur of near-white noise. Frosthelm build some atmosphere but aren't going for the expansive sound of Winterfylleth or Caladan Brood but they aren't in the black/thrash camp of loose, fast riffs and squealing solos, a la Malleus or Widower, either. I guess I'd call them "melodic" black metal but don't let that fool you, this music packs more than a few gut punches to offset the melodic flourishes. There isn't one particular song that stands out, but the album as a whole is entertaining, so if bands like Melechesh or Thulcandra light the candles around the pentagram for you, give Pyrrhic a spin.