I’ve been known to mention that many Italian Symphonic Power Metal bands throughout the years have a tendency towards the theatrical and the flamboyant when I’m reviewing those kind of bands. Yes, it was a style that Rhapsody (of Fire) embraced and took to a new level in the 90’s and onwards, giving dawn to a wave of similar sounding bands all vying to push the sound one way or another. Then there’s Winterage, who give my initial statement all the validity I could hope for…and then really push it to the extreme.
Much as Winterage are undeniably a Symphonic Power Metal band, if you are not familiar with them be prepared for much orchestration, choirs and more often than not violin to take the lead in the musical make-up of the songs. Influenced heavily by the epic cinematic soundscapes courtesy of the Two Steps From Hell production company, Winterage are steered by violinist Gabriele Boschi (the band’s longest serving member and the only remaining member to have contributed to their debut EP), who maybe has a slightly different approach to the genre than a guitarist or even a traditional keyboardist might, given his instrument of choice.
Drummer Luca Ghiglione and Vocalist Daniele Barbarossi have been a stable part of the band since their debut full-length back in 2015, though along with guitarist Gianmarco Bambini and bassist Matteo Serlenga, this is the same line-up that recorded 2021’s impressive Scarlet Records debut “The Inheritance Of Beauty”, so there is a cohesion and continuity with that release. There’s nothing simple or safe about the songs on “Nekyia”, but even though there’s plenty of instant melodies to initially hook onto, this is an album that’s all about the arrangements and gradual discovery, which rewards you with hidden gems the more time you spend on it.
It’s certainly worth the effort, but you probably have to be a fan of classically influenced Metal albums with massive amounts of choral vocals and orchestral passages. However, Winterage deliver them on top of a thundering, galloping, powerful rhythm section, laden with meaty guitars, meaning the album stays firmly loyal to its Power Metal core. To hear a violin taking the role a lead guitar might be used for is an excellent trait that Winterage utilise expertly, and also means the folky sections of ‘White Leviathan’ and ‘Numen’ are executed perfectly without the need to rely on a more synthesised sound. It’s certainly impressive stuff, with every song standing out from another. There’s mighty performances from all the people involved and stops short of being a soundtrack to a film yet to be made, happily able to stand up as a damn fine Symphonic Power Metal album in its own right, but with an epic cinematic edge.
(8.5/10 Andy Barker)
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