It’s one of those things, when a band’s name lays its table out. There’s an expectation that naturally pops into one’s mind. Extreme Cold Winter is a moniker that reflects a sound, a vibe, an aura of brutality. These Dutchmen came together in 2009 from a multitude of different groups and apart from an EP in 2015, “World Exit” is their first full length offering.
From opening track “Animals In Wintertime” it’s a big “oh yes”. A broad, ritualistic riff followed by sinister growled vocals well up front in the mix leads the funereal pace with a savage punch. There’s a chill that reflects the band’s name much the same as cult doom band Winter but with a much cleaner, big sound that is spacious and enveloping. “Time Space World” is a sledgehammer with an expansive sound whilst retaining an element of claustrophobia. The instrumental “The Sea Taketh” offers a sharp turn around with a melodic and almost serene introduction that reflects its title.
The album feels like it continues to get darker with each track especially from a vocal point of view. “Pharmakia”, with a piano led introduction is the calm before being shoved into the Earth’s crust with heavily growled vocals. “Blackwater Park” era Opeth comes to mind such is the atmospherics the band have created. The chug of “Serpents Seduction” is a nice lead into closing track “Cursed Like Cain” – a fitting end to the album with a bludgeoning Sabbathian styled riff.
“World Exit” is a heady album. The production is clean with plenty of space between instruments and vocals which give it a big, spacious sound. Purveyors of doom encrusted death metal will not be disappointed.
(8/10 Johnny Zed)
Leave a Reply