NUCLEAR WINTER is a one-man Melodic Death Metal band hailing from Zimbabwe. This is Gary's latest release, and it has eight songs. "The Glimmering Landscape" leads off the album. This mid-tempo song has plenty of backing elements to go along with the harsh vocals and rough riffs. The cleans add a different dimension but the main riff carries nearly the same sound throughout the song. "Starward Longing" has a similar pace and sound...the background is rich and thick, but the pacing is pretty standard. It almost sounds like a pre-programmed song...especially the drums. But this isn't altogether that uncommon for a one-man band.

"Fates Mysteries" is the third song in a row with nearly the same sound and pacing. Too many of these mid-tempo songs can really hold an album back, even though the vocals and backing tracks keep the sound thick. "Thy Shadows Fall" is just a little quicker in pace and also has some more clean vocals. The band is trying to diversify a little more. "The Grave is Wide" features some electronic elements in the beginning, but fairly quickly falls back to the same pattern as the other songs. The lead guitar work is fairly well done, however. "The Dusk and the Song" has some nice contrast between the harsh and clean vocals, but not a whole lot else going for it.

"Pale Memories" quickly falls back to the same pattern as the other songs. This is probably the worst part about the album...the songs just run together. "Black Waters" closes the album, and despite a promising opening sound, the song is just too much like the others. The positives? Gary has a nice voice, both in the harsh and clean styles, and decent musicianship as well. But the songs are just too homogeneous, and interchangeable. If this band wants to stay afloat, they are going to have to diversify their sound.Purchase Link:

https://nuclearwinterzim.bandcamp.com/