Imagery of the Forgotten Realm

Canada’s up-and-coming Frosthammer emerges once more from the cold undertow of the black metal bleakness and issues its third demo Imagery of the Forgotten Realm. I have to tell you that the first two demos I have by these guys were just Bathory-style black metal that really called upon the Quorthon mystique in every way. I must say this one surprised me a bit.

The very prevalent clean vocals are a pleasant surprise, as is the very genuine morose feeling that shrouds the music. The haunting atmosphere surrounding tracks like “The Shadow Cast by Heaven’s Light” is so real and foreboding that you might find yourself feeling as if you’re walking through a labyrinth of dead trees and eerie noises. This demo seems to drift from the typical black metal sound, but manages to pace itself nicely in frightening subtlety. The slow, anticipatory mood throughout is one that reminds me of Celtic Frost’s Monotheist not so much in style as in horror. The production is fine if a bit dismal, but absolutely right on the money for the music.

There might seem to be a dramatic switch in style from Winter’s Embrace to this, but the advancement and shift is one that can be accepted and shouldn’t be ignored. “Ascent to the Great Wizard’s Tomb” finds the harsh vocal pairing with the sinister tone that makes this music perfect for the dark people like me that enjoy their music (and lifestyle) infinitely blackened. I really like the title track as it has that truly evil ambience without having to rely on speed and screaming to get across the point.

Frosthammer has the formula, my friends, and the latest demo is a very fine shift in priorities while retaining the essence and beauty of the black Canadian underground. I applaud such fortitude and resonance and you should as well.

(Originally presented at www.metalpsalter.com)