As you know, I like to choose six records to discuss. Here are a few albums that fit the winter theme. I would also like some recommendations for my playlists. Bonus points if you recommend something like Malokarpatan! I’ve been on quite the kick lately.
Recommend an album using the form below or leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
Dark Throne: A Blaze in the Northern Sky
It might be a predictable selection, but Dark Throne’s A Blaze in the Northern Sky. Song titles like “Pagan Winter” and “Where the Cold Wind Blows” give it away. Regardless, as an avid record collector, I believe this record belongs in your collection if you like extreme metal- especially black metal. I love how palpable the Celtic Frost influence is: The song structure and guitar tone.
Immortal – At The Heart of Winter
In truth, Immortal could take up most of my list given the theme- Ha! This album is pivotal in the discography. What I love about At The Heart of Winter is the fusion of thrash with black metal. The production also kicked up a notch, but that’s not to say I prefer that because the low-fi of its predecessors is part of the appeal.
Emperor: In the Nightside Eclipse
This is the only Emperor album I really got into (don’t shoot). Every so often, I try them again just because Emperor is such a genre staple, but none of their records hit like this for me. It was a groundbreaking record at the time as well. No band had infused classical elements with raw intensity like that before. Some consider it to be the best symphonic metal album of all time… I would really have to think about that.
Malokarpatan – Vertumnus Caesar
I have no real clue what this album is about or if it is, in fact, winter in theme, but it has a lot of soundscapes that sound like it could be. Like almost everything else on this list, I enjoy it year-round. These dudes don’t have a bad album. My current favorite is either this or Krupinské ohne. I wrote about Nordkarpatenland before (also killer).
The writing is incredible. The guitars, bass lines, the use of various instruments, and, of course, the depraved vocals create an incredibly unique sound. The guitar work is brilliant! The guitars are reminiscent of early heavy metal like Running Wild or Iron Maiden. They don’t shy away from blackened elements either, and the tone has a clarity and crunch that accentuate the vocals.
Lustre – Another Time, Another Place (Chapter One)
I wrote about Lustre recently and finally picked up a couple of physical copies this year… I can say I’m still listening to this project at least once per week. I adore the discography. This record has two songs “Welcome Winter (Part 1)” and “Welcome Winter (Part 2).” I love how the Autumn tracks open the record and flow into the winter. He does an incredible job with ambiance.
The single The First Snow just got a repress with Reverence so I have been eying that as well. Aptly titled, “The First Snow,” the music illustrates it perfectly.
Agalloch – Marrow of the Spirit
What I respect most about this record is the fact that it was recorded on vintage analog equipment. They did this in attempts to rebound from how polished Marrow of the Spirit‘s predecessor (Ahses Against the Grain) was. I love how desolate the album sounds. The precision and intensity captured as if it were the 90’s. I feel it is a good pick to round out the post.
Don’t Forget to Recommend Dark and Black Metal
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