RIMFROST is a Black Metal band born in Sweden in 2002. In 2006, they released their debut full-length titled "A Frozen World Unknown," followed by "Veraldar Nagli" in 2009. Then, seven years passed before they re-emerged with "RImfrost" in 2016. Now, three years later, they return with "Expedition Darkness" in 2019, which contains nine new tracks.

"Rising of a Black Dawn" leads off the album. It's a brief instrumental mood-setter. With clean guitars and a bit of eerie keys, it segues into "Damned Jaws." A discernable riff boasting a bit of melody combines with thick Black Metal vocals that are layered. It gives the song some strength. It's unusual, but welcomed, that Black Metal has a song structure. "Sam-Hain" opens with a riff reminiscent of the 1980's, vocals notwithstanding. The guitars are crunchy and the chorus is big and full. "Dawnbreaker" features intense vocals and some pig squeals, in what is an excellent display of guitars. This music borders on Melodic Black Metal for sure. The ambient acoustical passage is very well done. It sets a somber mood for the track.

"Expedition Darkness" opens with a tranquil mood. It's a slower, more desolate track. It picks up with purpose and anger. That descending riff around the half-way mark is downright bossy. The guitar solo is excellent. These guys push boundaries for sure. "Vorhees" is a tribute to the hockey mask wearing mass murderer, I would assume. It's a bit faster in pace, with thick guitars, bass and drums, and aggressive vocals. The riff changes a few times throughout. "Bloodnight" features a melodic riff with angry vocals. The drums provide a galloping pace and the guitar solo is excellent. "Natten" opens with some eerie electronica and the steady pulsing of bass guitar. The vocals chant at first, and then comes this desolate and melancholic sound. It's gut-wrenchingly cold and dismal.

"At the Blessing of the Damned" is an over seven-minute closer. It opens with slow and easy guitar tones that turn pretty quickly to a dominating riff and some real power. The riff shifts here and there, before ending with a slow, strong finish. Overall, this was a great album. RIMFROST is so much more than you average Black Metal band. They fuse melody into "Expedition: Darkness," along with some touching ambient moments to go along with their heavy and aggressive riffing, and vile vocals. This album has a little something for everyone, even traditional Black Metal fans.