This must be the season for all Scandinavian Metal fans it seems. 'Withering Surface' are hailing from Denmark and were formed in 1994. They have released a demo called 'Unique' in 1995, followed by 'Scarlet Silhouettes' in 1997 and 'Nude Ballet' in 1998.
We have in our hands their third studio album called 'Walking On Phantom Ice' recorded in Berno Studio in Malmo, Sweden with Producer Berno Paulsson (The Haunted, Deranged).
Nowadays it is a little difficult for a metal band from Scandinavia not to be influenced by the other metal monsters this area brought us (In Flames, Children of Bodom ring a bell?). 'Withering Surface' are influenced by In Flames (especially in their previous albums) but they manage to retain their own sound. The guitars are consistent through the album and they keys are brought into every now and then just to emphasise and not play a role on themselves. The vocals of Michael H. Andersen are right in place in all the songs. The drums are well balanced and are there to pound rhythm in every song.
All the songs have the masterful technical supremacy that the Scandinavian scene has used us to but some songs still stand apart.
'Breed What You Kill' has a powerful bass and drums combination. 'Separation' is a kick in the stomach, being fast and rhythmic with the keyboards standing in between drums and bass/guitars. The 'Everflow' is more melodic and midtempo (funny expression when referring to metal... I think I am pushing my authoring rights a bit here ). The closing song 'Sundive' is by itself an epitome of their music and a point of reference. They include all their mastery in making it practically flawless in technical execution and melodic riffs.
Ok the recipe is sure enough. If you are a fan of Scandinavian Metal include this cd to your collection. It a buy you will enjoy a lot.