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Band: Cold Fell
Album title: Irwell
Release date: 03 March 2017
Label: Argento Records
Tracklist:
1. Skull Crushed Against Salford Cobblestones
2. Bone Ceiling
3. Folly (Health And Glory)
4. Spleen i (In Vino Veritas)
5. Spleen ii (Bruised Like Fruit)
6. The whip (Armed To The Teeth)
7. Dream Of Seppuku
Cold Fell is a black metal band from Manchester, England, formed in 2012, the line-up consist of mastermind Laurence Taylor (vocals/lyrics) and four more members. They released their first demo in 2013 with two tracks. Now, four years after the demo is released, Cold Fell returns with an album that shows us their dedication in keeping the roots of black metal. In his own words, Taylor says that they create black metal which is straightforward and aggressive but original without veering into self-indulgent avant garde territory. Cold Fell approache in the songs a different theme from other bands from the north that explore Norse mythology or related subjects. The band focuses its musical theme in the present day, in the harsh existence and struggles the residents from decaying Northern towns faces every day.
Irwell was released on 3rd March, 2017 by Argento Records, was mixed and mastered by Tom Dring at Vagrant (Dragged Into Sunlight, Corrupt Moral Altar) and the fascinating cover artwork was done by Mark McCoy. This album consists of seven tracks where we find “tears” of light in the dark veil of black metal negativity. The opener "Skull Crushed Against Salford Cobblestones" is a 8 minute long track which begins with guitar dissonances and marching drums and smoothly undergoes to a melodic transition with clean guitars. The songs are heavily influenced by acts such as Gorgoroth, Watain and Darkthrone. At least in four of the seven tracks, the similarity is striking. “Bone Ceiling”, “The Whip (Armed To The Teeth)”, and “Dream Of Seppuku” are the most powerful songs in the entire album and as well my favorite ones. The second track, “Bone Ceiling", is aggressive and frosty. “Dream Of Seppuku" while having the typical black metal guitar riffs, blends together melodic moments and straight to the end an intriguing duet between guitar and classic piano.
I can say that Irwell is a very good and interesting album, beside the intention of the band to maintain the original black metal, we get something that is still more polished and quite modern. Even so, those who remain true to the roots of the genre will be satisfied. Since those "modern elements" introduced don't destroy the image of the traditional black metal strand.
Review written by: Felin Frost
Rating: 7,5/10
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