By:
Ernesto Aguilar
Album Type: Full length
Date Released: 02/03/2018
Label: Golden Antenna Records
From
the opening chords of "The Initiation Of Darkness," Phantom Winter
create an experience that grinds into you relentlessly and the results are
truly phenomenal. You'll be thankful for
this experience, harrowing though it may be.
"Into Dark Science"
CD//DD//LP track listing
1.
The Initiation Of Darkness
2.
Ripping Halos From Angels
3.
Frostcoven
4.
The Craft And The Power Of Black Magic Wielding
5.
Into Dark Science
6.
Godspeed! Voyager
The Review:
Following
2016's well-received "Sundown
Pleasures," German sludge/doom crew Phantom Winter
rejoin the living in 2018 on its latest. Its six-song "Into Dark Science" are hereby your reminder that doom
and sludge, like cold brew coffee, are best served pure and without flourish.
The
subtle beauty of Phantom Winter's music has always
been its truth in vision. It stands out because it isn't preening with the idea
of being something more exceptional that a doom group. They do not need to: the
performance is so unique and powerful that its presence is all that is
necessary. Such focus on craft is freeing. What's more the sheer quality of the
musicianship virtually guarantees that the band does not require a hyphenate sort
of marketing. Instead, Phantom Winter, from
the opening chords of "The
Initiation Of Darkness," creates an experience.
"Into
Dark Science" is effective because of its
claustrophobic soundscapes and baleful vocals. Storytelling is very much part
of this mood; Phantom Winter shares its lyrics with fans,
and its misanthropic vignettes are certain to sit with you for awhile. "No god can help you here, no sun will
ever shine," goes "Frostcoven."
"We are usurpers of the night… the
ghosts who haunt us scream in pain." " The Initiation Of Darkness " crashes against your head
in fits and starts, with words inspired by poet Sylvia Plath and activist
Adrienne Rich. "Ripping Halos From
Angels" throbs with Full of Hell-style
abandon. "The Craft And The Power
Of Black Magic Wielding" sets a mood and grinds it into you
relentlessly. In all, these are seem disparate, but share common bonds,
sonically and lyrically. The results are truly phenomenal.
As
you come to the album's conclusion, Phantom Winter present
more of that harsh edge of doom it presented earlier. Broken-glass vocals and a
tumultuous guitar sequence will leave you spellbound. You'll be thankful for
this experience, harrowing though it may be.
"Into
Dark Science" is available to preorder/buy here
Band info: facebook
