In an age where the boundary between homage and innovation is constantly challenged, Wolves In Winter’s debut album “The Calling Quiet” emerges as a breath of frigid, captivating air. This newly formed UK doom metal quintet manages to strike a harmonious balance between paying tribute to the genre’s traditional roots and infusing it with a contemporary vitality that commands attention.
Epic in scope and emotional in execution, “The Calling Quiet” invites listeners into a sonic realm that is as ethereal as it is guttural. Formed amidst the tumultuous backdrop of pandemic-induced lockdowns in 2020, Wolves In Winter have channeled their creative restlessness into an album that resonates with the weight of experience. The result is a soundscape that encapsulates the essence of doom metal, capturing its inherent melancholy and transforming it into a vessel of sonic catharsis.
What sets Wolves In Winter apart is the seamless fusion of their members’ seasoned expertise from the UK heavy music underground. Drawing on the collective talents of former and present members of bands like Solstice, Lazarus Blackstar, Monolith Cult, and Slammer, the album exudes a maturity that can only come from years of honing their craft. This wealth of experience translates into a refined cohesion that’s evident in every intricate layer of sound.
From the first note, “The Calling Quiet” commands attention with its raw yet finely tuned production. Each instrument finds its space, creating a dynamic interplay that is both immersive and expansive. The guitar work seamlessly transitions from mournful, earth-shaking riffs to intricate melodic passages, while the rhythm section provides a steady yet ever-shifting foundation that rumbles like distant thunder.
Tracks like “Cord that ends the pain” and “Oceans” showcase Wolves In Winter’s ability to harness the power of subtlety. The pacing of the album is deliberate, allowing moments of quiet introspection to coalesce with explosive, bone-rattling crescendos. Vocalist Jake’s delivery drips with a haunting emotional eloquence, adding an extra layer of depth to the band’s sonic palette.
The title itself speaks volumes – a paradox that captures the essence of the album’s sonic journey. In their pursuit of the quiet, Wolves In Winter find a voice that resonates with a volume that belies its name.
In conclusion, Wolves In Winter’s “The Calling Quiet” is a remarkable debut that holds its own in the crowded landscape of doom metal. It’s an album that pays homage to the genre’s roots while fearlessly branching out into uncharted territories. Epic, emotional, and eloquent, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of heavy music to evolve and captivate.
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Released by ARGONAUTA Records on February 24th, 2023
Music source for review – Grand Sounds PR
