Appalachian Winter
Silence Before the Great Mountain Wind

Release Date: 2008 | Tracklist

Black metal has never looked so natural and with song titles such as ‘Lost Amongst Endless Snow’ and ‘Into the Abode of Wolves’ listeners better believe it. This one man band from Pennsylvania displays many aspects of a wonderful album. Atmospheric and eerie with switching tempo lines should keep many ‘metalers’ interested. From a first listen our ears are exposed to many aspects ranging from folk like influenced sections reinforced by acoustic-styled passages (as heard in “Lost Amongst Endless Snow”) and rhythmic vocal patterns that complement the music so well. Appalachian Winter’s recording is also important to mention as while mostly clear and crisp it is not exactly perfect; this also helps the raw and natural feel to the record reinforcing again the natural themes being presented here.

Comparing positively track to track is the balance between familiar trends and the albums actual diversity. Yes there is a steady array of a black metal bands instrumentation i.e. the distorted high gain guitars, the extensive drum kit and its use of double bass work, deep growling vocal passages and a steady whilst somewhat hidden bass line. Positively when adding to the listening experience there is piano interludes that can be found during points of ‘Silence Before the Great Mountain Wind’ and monastery like chanting throughout the album that attracts the listeners softer side and adds to the albums diversity. When clocking in at just under an hour Silence Before The Great Mountain Wind gives listeners enough to keep listeners satisfied whilst not creating a boredom that appears on the latter half of the album. Listeners will notice some symphonic aspects to some tracks displaying the immense talent that this single man contains and his ability to create tasteful songs on a highly consistent level.

Noticeably the album is not all speed and crushing guitar riffs. There is a great balance here, and this is not just found in the interludes and chanting vocals. The tempo changes ultimately reinforce the theme; winter is slow, harsh and full of change.

Some aspects of this release do have a negative effect on the album. This can be found mainly in the clean and melodic vocal sections. While this is not helped by the quality of the recording, the high pitched cleans do leave something to be desired. The only sections were tracks tend to drag on include the acoustically strummed interlude sections where for the most part they sound much the same.

After listening to some very prominent themes throughout this record, listeners should fully understand a “beautiful” side to black metal whilst balancing the fast and the heavy. There is a lot to listen for and some things you may not expect. An album with a whole lot of highs and very few low points gives the listener a very interesting and enjoyable listen. Listeners should incorporate the theme into their personal listen to create a greater acceptance for the album simply because that was the way the music was written. This is an album to be thoroughly enjoyed on a regular basis even with its dark themes and slightly less than great production.

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3.4 great

Rank: #0 for 2008