Winter Woods
Vardan
•
August 9, 2015
The sad procession of souls trudges mournfully through the cold depths of their journey. Amorphous, dark figures who reflect no visible light stretch in a line that goes beyond the horizon in both directions. This is the appropriate visual for Black Metal aficionado VARDAN's new album "Winter Woods." The absolute absence of light, eternal and complete envelops the mind of the listener as the bleakness of despair sets in.
"Cold Night of My Soul" is longer still than the previous three songs, emanating as a sort-of tribute to the longsuffering of the title's namesake. The agony of the soul's destruction is almost tangible and reaches its ghostly grasp deep into the mind, blotting out any memories of sunlight or smiles. Which brings up the last song, "The Cry of Dying Forests." It is indeed appropriately titled, as it is fitting for a funeral of the masses. It is the longest song on the album, and eliminates any hope of hearing some kind of clean vocals, as well as lyrics that can be understood, as VARDAN uses a strange echoing effect, seemingly to amplify the desolate vastness of a deserted landscape. This song serves as a mode of crushing the last bit of air from the earth and the last inkling of hope that will ever exist, ending with a traditional Black Metal tempo, blasting away everything in sight with pure destructive power.
Despite being not exactly groundbreaking material, the style is consistent throughout the album. Though not a fan of the genre in particular, it follows perfectly in line with the elements that dictate what a good Black Metal band should sound like. Hail to VARDAN for creating such intense music as a solo project!
6 / 10
Had Potential
"Winter Woods" Track-listing:
1. Winter Woods - Pt. 1
2. Winter Woods Pt. 2
3. Uroborus Black Circle
4. Cold Night of My Soul
5. The Cry of Dying Forests
Vardan Lineup:
Vardan - All Instruments, Vocals
More results...