Honestly, the mix of Stoner Rock touches with Doom Metal influences in a traditional Heavy Metal embodiment isn’t a new feature at all, because BLACK SABBATH did it on “Black Sabbath”, “Paranoid” and “Master of Reality” perfectly (obviously due the constrains on recording devices, time itself and the flow of Tony, Ozzy, Geezer and Bill musical ideas on those days). It’s a natural thing, indeed, but many bands prefer to detach their music of such elements, while other reinforce such aspects (as CATHEDRAL did from “The Ethereal Mirror” onward). And the North American quintet ICE HOWL works on such trench, as heard on “Reborn & ReForged”.

The songs were recorded, mixed and mastered at Ice Fall Recordings, the band uses a more organic approach on their songs, trying to record things as simple as they could - and evading digital editions - but always trying to be as clean and defined as things allow. And they earned a good sonority, with good instrumental tunes and sound definition. And the artwork of David Paul Seymour really attracts the attention of the fans. Honestly, the band doesn’t fit rigidly on a model of Doom Metal with Stoner Rock influences, because the energy and influences of traditional Heavy Metal pulse on their music in an undeniable way. The abrasive feeling is tempered by charming melodies and very good hooks (as heard on “Snowfire”). And are re-recorded version of some of their old songs under a refreshed outfit, and everything sounds good and great. It’s obvious that some existing shards can be sharpened in the future, but they sound full of energy and life, then dive into it.

“Snowfire” has a clear NWOBHM appeal, with very good melodies and excellent guitars, with very good choruses. “Crack the Earth” reveals the Doom Metal/Stoner Metal side of the band’s music, with very good melodies and vocals, and the same happens on “Kyteler” (besides the load of traditional Heavy Metal appears again). A mix between Groove Metal and Stoner Rock influences with traditional Heavy Metal melodies is what expects the fans on “Sorcerer’s Call” (with good bass guitar and drums parts). And two bonus tracks are heard on the physical version, the remastered versions of “Silent Resistance” and “Final Stand of the Third Age”, both a bit rawer than the previous, but they’re pretty good, indeed.

ICE HOWL really did a fine offering to its fans with “Reborn & ReForged”, but it will earn them some new fans, because it’s a matter of listening and liking it.