NORDICWINTER is a Canadian Depressive/Atmospheric Black Metal created by evillair. The album has six songs, and "Whispers of the Frozen Abyss" is first. Piano notes lead the charge, along with cold winds building in the background, and it is indeed a solemn affair. Harsh vocals come in and pierce everything, and the lead breaks lament with absolute despair. A steadier drum beat also rolls in, furthering the weight of the song, in both the music and the emotional impact. It's a nine-minute song, but it feels like a lifetime, and it's aptly titied. "The Howling Void" is another dreadful affair, fueled by a slow pace, piano note, and steady bass and drums. The vocals are like a cold fire…you can't see them rage, but they burn the same nonetheless.

"Echoes of a Dying Sun" is another intense song, but it has a similar scope and feeling to it, and the vocals are delivered in nearly the same manner. It's quite depressive but three songs with a similar pacing and sound can begin to meld together too much. "Eternal Night's Embrace" is really the first song with a bit of a different feeling. Instead of the punishing defeat that was so prevalent earlier, this song fights back. Moments of anger and rage are just as strong as the solemn ones, giving the subject a chance to pick up his head and forge forward. Consider the title of the song…when you finally embrace the darkness, you may have some power over it to bend it to your will.

"As the Last Light Fades" however, closes the album with more despair once again. It's a short song with a runtime of less than four minutes, and cold piano notes tell the tale. The soft vocal hum and simulated strings carry your disparaged soul to its final resting place. This was a solid album to listen to, combining the aggressiveness of Black Metal vocals with the sheer depression that can also be prevalent in the genre. After listening, I have this contemplative feeling that makes me want to leave my responsibilities behind for a while and really think some things through.