SYLVATICA hailing from Denmark were formed in 2009. They play a mix of melodic Death Metal and Folk Metal with symphonic elements. So far, they have one EP, one compilation, and one full-length album from 2014 to their name. "Ashes And Snow" is their second full-length album only and it was released via Russian label Satanath Records which has a variety of Black, Doom, and Death Metal bands among their roster. The album has a length of around 43 minutes.

SYLVATICA deliver an album which is a triptych of melodeath, Folk, and Symphonic Metal, but with Death Metal as its basis. They start with an extended orchestral intro, before the folk vibes start kicking in at full swing. The title song has all the ingredients of a melodic Death Metal song: aggressive but catchy guitar riffs, hammering drums with some blast-beat attacks, growling vocals at the lower end of the guttural range, crunching bass lines, and most importantly epic melodies including comprehensive lead guitar solos. SYLVATICA enrich the epic melodies with typical folk themes and orchestral background which sounds pretty bombastic especially during the chorus part. The break near the end perfectly combines the symphony with the metal guitars to a great finale. The title song was released as video and the YouTube link is given below.

"Pillars Of Light" starts with an extended orchestral part before the guitars, bass, and drums join in. The tempo is slower than mid-tempo, measured with epic and catchy melodies while the growls go with the notes. There are background vocals during the chorus intensifying the main growls. The lead guitar solo is pretty short here, but contributes well to the song. "Pillars Of Light" is driven by the symphonic components that are present throughout the song, either dominating especially during the opening sequence, or in the background.

"Creation" and "Helios" are good examples of how well SYLVATICA mix the different elements of their music together. They are not afraid of letting hell break loose with brutal guitar riffs, blast-beats and double-bass sequences, but maintaining strong and catchy melodies, everything put into a symphonic framework. Both songs are more aggressive and straightforward compared to the other songs on the album. Opposite to that, the two longest songs "Cosmic Strings" and "Halls Of Extinction" have more complex textures with twists and turns, a lot of breaks, and some sequences played at breakneck speed. Especially "Halls Of Extinction" contains some chaotic parts and a fast tempo is maintained over extended periods. While "Cosmic Strings" includes an excellent lead guitar solo, "Halls Of Extinction" fades slowly out with an orchestral part which is the perfect end to this album.

"Ashes And Snow" is in principle an excellent melodic Death Metal album although it will not fit into the traditional melodeath framework. That is good news, since we have far too many of those stereotype kind of releases. SYLVATICA are different, they mix different aspects of extreme Metal together. Some of those elements can also be heard on other albums and WINTERSUN comes inevitably into my mind. However, the way how SYLVATICA put those styles together makes them special, gives them uniqueness, and is evidence of very good songwriting. The album is very well produced. Fans of melodic Death Metal and Folk Metal who also like orchestral elements will enjoy "Ashes And Snow" and they will be excited to see those songs unleashed on stage.