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Review: Dead Of Winter - At The Helm Of The Abyss
Dead Of Winter
www.deadofwinter.ca
At The Helm Of The Abyss

Label: Profound Lore Records
Year released: 2005
Duration: 36:49
Tracks: 8
Genre: Black Metal

Rating:
4/5


Review online: May 2, 2005
Reviewed by: Michel Renaud
Readers' Rating
How do you rate this release?

Rated 4.5/5 (90%) (4 Votes)
Review

Damn… Talk about speed and pure violence. This debut from Kitchener (Ontario)'s Dead of Winter (note that there's a US band with the same name) does not slow down for one fucking minute. I've listened to this quite a bit and noticed two things: 1) This is so fast, raw and brutal that I often found myself exhausted after listening to it a few times in a row - I actually had to take a break from listening to anything else afterwards. 2) Even though this is a damn killer album when actually listening to it, I found that I don't remember much once it's over - nothing sticks. Well, not exactly: The hate and brutality do leave quite a lasting impression and might actually be dangerous for your co-workers if you listen to this at the office. :) Considering the genre, maybe this is more of a desirable effect than remembering actual songs? The lyrics focus on hate and destruction rather than the standard satanic stuff that is usually associated with the genre, and they fit the violent atmosphere of the music like a glove.

Other than some occasional can-based drumming, there isn't much to complain about here. Sure a lot of other bands play this fast (think of the fastest Marduk material - somehow I always compare to them when it comes to speed) so a lot of people might be bored with the style. As I mentioned before, while the songs didn't leave me a lasting musical impression (I guess this is just too chaotic for that anyway), one thing that is almost certain is that you'll come out of a few listens of this album totally pissed off and with the adrenaline high. That alone earns them a noticeable place in a rather overcrowded genre, as many of their contemporaries are just plain boring on all levels. This one is certainly recommended for fans of raw, brutal and f-a-s-t Black Metal. Just be aware that you'll come out of it wanting to beat the living crap out of someone.

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