From their EPK, "The Atmospheric Black Metal solo-project AUTREST hails from the mountainous region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Founded in the winter of 2022, the debut album was written, recorded, and produced between September 2022 and January 2023. They draw inspiration from nature, incorporating the sounds of the forests and mountains into its music to create an immersive experience." The album has seven songs.

"December Dark" is the first. A background of the crickets you hear at dusk combines with some magnanimous keys to open the song. When the deadly vocals hit, the supporting elements are rich and full. The ambient breakdown after the half-way mark is one of the prettiest passages that I have heard this year. "Follow the Cold Path" is a slower moving song, at first, but still loses none if its magnetism. Every guitar note, every beat of the drum, and every background instrument are perfectly placed, to take you into the cold world of nature. The instrumental breakdown is gorgeous again.

"Watchtower" is a more succinct, five-minute song. Once again, it comes down to impeccable timing and presentation. Is there anything that Matheus didn't plan on? You have the feeling of being swept to a cold, dark place in the world, but somehow, it's warm and comforting. "Time is a River" is the longest song on the album, at nine-minutes in length. Charming tones ease in slowly, followed by a full and beautiful display of the wonderfully depressive side of Black Metal. The melodies stick with you on your journey, and they are always there when you are feeling alone or scared.

"Firelight" is a slower and somewhat darker song, where chugging bass guitar can be heard in the mix. Once that raucous main riff kicks in, the song goes from a budding flame to a bonfire of emotions, mostly the darker ones that are not often spoken of. "Pale Night" is gut-wrenching. It feels like most of your life has been drained from you, and you have nothing else to give. As layers are added in the song, the feeling intensifies. How can music be so depressing but so pretty at the same time? This is how. "The Place Where I Belong" is the short album closer. The gentle keyboard notes are both charming and mesmerizing. You have finally reached your destination, and your purpose in life, and all that is left to do is just act on it. This smooth instrumental is soothing and leaves your mind at ease, as you drift off to sleep.

Overall, this album was as gorgeous as it was fierce. The journey that the album immersed you in was yours alone through cold, dark places, and frozen landscapes that are barren and empty. Yet, as anyone who has lived through a brutal winter would know, the scenery can be beautiful, and at times, awe-striking, but also dangerous. These are the pictures running through my head as I listen to the album, and the delivery of these feelings was nearly perfect.