Some bands just flat rock. Wow, I couldn't like these guys a whole lot more, and they haven't even put out a full-length yet! I think this 4-song disc is a teaser for an upcoming full-length.
First thing I'll say about this is it still sounds a lot like their Divine Wintertime ep/Mordecai split. Self-described as "melodic winter metal". It's distinctively Scandinavian and more or less deathy. Vocals and guitars are both mid-high pitched, which adds a little black feel. The most obvious thing to mention though, is the 2nd guitar, which plays nearly constantly throughout each track. The techniques used are typical of leads, but it's really more of a (usually) fast-paced melody that keeps the music fresh and exciting. Speaking of tempo, they've split this one, 2 fast and 2 slower, but that all 4 rock hard is the bottom line. Honestly, will they ever do anything mediocre?
I also like the lyrics a lot. Who among us fails to relate to "My weak endeavor to stay clean from all the filth I've gladly taken in.... I feel my self unpure, I need the cleansing"? "Until" is about the life left behind when we discover Christ, "The Prophet" is about a prophet, and "Icebound" is metaphorical... I'm not always the best at discovering those meanings. They clearly and artistically state though, that Immortal Souls really love God and cold weather.
I've been anxious for more material from these guys since I first heard them, and this lives up to what I was expecting. Great stuff, can't wait for the full-length!
9/10
Other coverage for this album
Dead Zine 2002Reviewed by Orc-CleaverThe first thing I'm going to say is the current incarnation of this band is light years ahead of their demo days. This EP is along the same lines as their split cd with Mordecai which was also on Little Rose Productions. The music is similar to bands like In Flames or At the Gates and if you wanted a Christian comparison, perhaps Lament. Death metal but not the crushing, extreme type but expect…Dead Zine 2002Reviewed by undeadFrom the second I heard Immortal Souls on the From Kaamos to Midnight Sun compilation, I couldn't wait for them to put out a full-length cd. However, that will have to wait until January, but for now, those crazy fans are being appeased by a short ep to tide us over until the big one comes out. Well, if this ep is any small indication of things to come, no one will be disappointed. As with a…More from Immortal Souls
1997Reflections of Doom
1999Divine Wintertime / Through The Woods, Towards The Dawn
2003Ice Upon The Night
2001Under The Northern Sky
