In some releases that gain the attention of fans and writers, a surprise: like a falling star in the atmosphere of the Earth, that burns and dies faster than one can think, some bands just are formed, comes with a release (EP, Demo, Split, live album or a full length) and comes back into nothingness. It seems to be the case of the Danish quintet NEPENTH for some info found. And it's a pity, because the musical work shown on "Blood and Ice" is very good. The band's music is a form of Melodic Death Metal that combines elements from the Swedish School of the genre in the early works of the bands of the country (like IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILITY and AT THE GATES) with the refined melodies earned from the Finnish School (pay attention to the guitars arrangements of "Liberty" to understand what these words mean).

These words mean that the band works with a good technical level (without exaggerations, of course) to create fine rhythmic contrasts, and with a melodic sheath that is hard to resist to, and a massive and aggressive energy flowing from the songs. It's a very good EP, indeed. The production of "Blood and Ice" was conceived in a form that the sonority of the songs could embrace the total melodic aspect of the genre, but with a very good set of instrumental tunes that enables the understanding of what they're playing. But after all, this is a Death Metal release, so the aggressiveness pulses during the entire playing of the EP.

One can expect a lot of fun when listening to "Blood and Ice", because they worked in a way that makes the songs easy to be absorbed by the senses, especially on moments as "Liberty" (excellent guitar riffs and arrangements, in a form that keeps the aggressiveness contrasting with the melodic embodiment of the song), "For Endless Time" (this one is filled with many catchy melodic moments, and what good shrieks of the vocals instead of the usual grunts), "Blood and Ice" (that is another one filled with very good melodic arrangements, supported by a solid rhythm created by bass guitar and drums) and "It". But the entire EP is easy to be heard, so enjoy the experience.

If NEPENTH really ceased to exist, it's truly a pity, for they had a promising work. And if it's the case, "Blood and Ice" stands not only as a very good release, but a remembrance of the band's existence.