Here is the link to the review: http://www.metaltalk.net/columns/201029244.php
Although they originate from Madrid, Spain, Frozen
Dawn have a distinctively Swedish black/death Metal sound reminiscent of
Dissection and very much in the vein of Necrophobic.
'Those Of The Cursed Light' is the follow-up to their 2011
debut full length release 'The Old Prophecy Of Winterland' and my
initial impression as one of jaw dropping amazement and delight.
'Those Of The Cursed Light' is a mesmerising release that
draws together elements of classic and modern black Metal alongside
death Metal influences creating powerful, sharp yet emotive melodies
balanced perfectly with subtle atmospheric elements and the result is
bone-chillingly good.
The musicianship is superb, from the scathingly vitriolic vocals, very
much in the vein of Necrophobic's Anders Strokirk, to the intensely
active lead guitar work and excellent, forceful drumming; the resulting
combination is wonderfully grim and memorable. Even the lyrics are
superb; dark, terrifying and esoteric, which is why I am pleased that
there is a high degree of clarity to the vocals.
The lyrical inspiration is again based on Winterland, a
cruel and merciless place immersed in an eternal cold winter where the
forces of nature fight each other and the supernatural meets the
mystical.
I can't pick a favourite track as the whole release is just
such a good listen right from the opening track, 'Banished, The
Everlasting Confinement', which was released as a single and as a
forerunner to this release, with its brief suspense filled opener; no
time is wasted getting down to business, it's intense and exciting from
the offset.
The intensity continues with 'Blackened March' which has an
exciting later part solo to add to the rest of the superb guitar work.
'Those of the Cursed Light' has a superb, atmospheric and
emotive guitar opener before the pace picks up; the guitar work across
the track is an exciting mix of the intense and the emotive. 'Circles Of
Frostbitten Ice' has well placed tempo and direction change maintaining
the interest and excitement.
One of the longer tracks, passing the seven minute mark,
'Eternal Frost', is slower more deliberating and gives vocalist Grinder
the opportunity to push his capabilities with some gut wrenching drawn
out vocalisations. There is a slower tempo to 'Kalte Seele' and the bass
is more prominent, adding a different slant on this closing track.
The stunning art work is somewhat reminiscent of
Dissection's 'Storm Of Lights Bane' from a scenic, mood and colouration
perspective.
The album was recorded, mixed and mastered at the Wintermoon Cult Studios (Madrid).
I know it's nothing new or original but 'Those Of The Cursed
Light' is an utterly exciting and well crafted album and if you like
bands such as Necrophobic, Watain, Dissection or Sacramentum you are
going to seriously love this, of that I am convinced.
