EREBOS is a one-man Black Metal project based out of Poland. Formed in 2016, he has already released four full-length, albums, becoming quite the prolific songwriter. In Greek Mythology, Erebos was the God of Death, or the bringer of death. "A Flames that Pierces with A Deadly Cold" is his fifth, and contains six new tracks.

"The Onslaught of Morgoth" opens with a pretty piano sequence. When the Black Metal vocals hit, they are intense, but the music remains highly melodic, with grand French horn announcing the arrival of the ancient wizard turned dark in J.R.R. Tolkien's world. Suddenly, the music turns dark and you can feel his presence on the back of your neck. Symphonic elements remain high and alluring, as does the flute sequence at the end. It's an ominous song, fit for the Kings of old. "The Starless Veil" is a bit shorter, opening with the soft vibrato of what I believe are keyboards, and the steady stomping of someone's feet. The rhythms build until about the half-way mark, when doleful keys usher in a new sound of melancholy bliss. Lead guitar kicks this up another notch, with beauty and admiration.

"Of Dusk and Dawn" opens with gentle keys. As dawn breaks, it arrives with colors of intense orange and red, bringing vocals that lament and dual guitar parts that are commanding. What a fantastic song! "Mists of Ruin" is a short five minute song that opens with tender notes, and the feeling that something is coming out of the mist on a cold morning. It builds slowly with guitars, layering on top of one another. This is careful and masterful songwriting. Feelings of intense sadness mix with lingered hope, drawing you into his world so easily. "Whirlwinds of Flame" open with a fast riff and a hasty sound. The Black Metal vocals are intense, piercing through you. It lets up a bit, with a three note chord pattern mirrored in sadness. Strings dance around like wild embers.

"Ashes and Crumbled Stone" closes the album; a short four-minute instrumental. Keys give it a mysterious but Godly tone, like witnessing the coronation of a great King. Soft piano notes break the sound, until all that is left are strings and piano, creating this hypnotic tone that take the track to completion. Overall, this is a high quality album with a lot going on. Skillful songwriting takes you on an emotional journey as he openly deals with feelings of despondence, hope, anger and acceptance through the music. I've heard a lot of Black Metal, but this one stands out as an example of how one can keep true to the roots of the genre, but add in one's own unique way of interpreting it.