Band:	Immortal Souls
Album:	Wintereich
Style:	Melodic death metal
Release date:	June 01, 2007
Guest review by:	BurbotsRevenge

01. Nightfrost
02. Feareaper
03. Frozen Inside
04. Icon Of Ice
05. Color Of My Sky
06. Constant
07. Idlestate
08. Heart Of Cold
09. Winter Of My Discontent
10. Black Water
11. Wintereich

Immortal Souls is a melodic death band that comes from Finland. Now most people would say - "all music from Finland is good". And I can safely say that Immortal Souls does not break this rule. Described as "the best kept secret from the underground of the cold north", Immortal Souls play music very similar to Children of Bodom, with many of the songs being about winter, snow and ice - "Nightfrost", "Frozen Inside", "Icon of Ice", "Heart of Cold", "Winter of My Discontent", and "Winterreich", which quite often leaves them being referred to as "winter metal". Their latest effort "Winterreich" is a great album which incorporates an almost perfect blend between the Gothenburg metal of Dark Tranquillity and the melodic elements of early Children Of Bodom. Compared to their previous albums "Ice Upon The Night" and "Under the Northern Sky", there is little change in the style and sound, which might bore some listeners. But it's still worth a listen.

The album starts with an explosive pace, the opener "Nightfrost" which contains great guitar work, blasting drum beats and vocals that get you growling along in the chorus - "Call of frost, nightfrost!" The album stays in that fast, catchy style throughout with the song "Frozen Ice" proving to be one of the hits off the album. It contains memorable melodies combined with harsh vocals and brutal guitar work. The only real downside of the album is its lack of change. Taking into account the band's previous two albums, there isn't much change in the style or sound which makes it quite repetitive at times and can leave the listener bored. The lack of diversity is a problem with this band - however one can argue that their style can never get old. On the other hand however, "Winterreich" astounds me with the breathtaking solos and lead work. Every song contains a unique solo or two, all of which are speedy, melodic and fierce. I might even go as far as saying that the solos are up to the standard of Alexi Laiho. Well, almost - but they're not far off by any means.

"Winterreich" is a great listen for all melodic death metal fans. Nevertheless a bit of variation wouldn't go astray. The guitar work is amazing. The melodies - catchy and melodic, and the solos - fast, memorable and brilliant. Those who like Immortal Souls' previous records should not hesitate to buy this album as it is still a great record despite it's lack or originality and diversity.

Highlights: "Nightfrost", "Frozen Inside", "Constant", and "Color of My Skin"