One of the most common discussions I have with friends is the quality of the British Metal scene throughout the years. England was once a leading force in the Metal scene "producing" bands like CARCASS, NAPALM DEATH, BOLT THROWER and many more to be mentioned here. Suddenly it all stopped and the British started wasting their energy with mediocre Metalcore bands and wannabe deathsters. Why all this intro? Because WINTERFYLLETH hails from England and I just hope they put an end to this age of mediocrity...

Let's see what this quartet sounds like. Black Metal, huh? Yeah, what else could they play with such a name and a logo? Their sophomore full-length effort is delivered by the well known label Candlelight Records and it hides 9 brand new haunting Black Metal litanies, as well as a re-recording/expanded version of "Defending The Realm", which was featured in the band's debut album "The Ghost Of Heritage" (2008).

If you are expecting to listen to a traditional, raw Black Metal band, then WINTERFYLLETH is probably not what you're looking for. What did you expect with the weather they have up there? Their music is exactly with the situation the British face every day. Imagine a dark, rainy and dull day and transform the whole atmosphere into a Black Metal album with a duration that exceeds an hour of playing time. Drawing influences from the early days of ENSLAVED and the unique darkness of DRUDKH, WINTERFYLLETH presents this dark, cold and epic little gem with its suffocating atmosphere and wicked melodies.

Despite the length of each song (we are talking about 5, 6 and 7 minute long tracks), this quartet won't let you get bored. The first thing you notice is that even though there is this repetitive riffing thingie that is everywhere in Black Metal, the song structures have been well worked giving you want you want, exactly when you want it. Or to be more precise, when WINTERFYLLETH want it...

"The Mercian Sphere" manages to keep you bound in its rusty chains until the end, while you try to catch your breath. If you are into this "atmospheric", epic Black Metal sound, then I advise you to invest on these guys. They sure seem a pretty nice solution to England's "Metal problem" and to your own boredom caused by the mediocrity that surrounds you.