Of all the trends that we’ve seen on the rise in the world of metal in recent years, it’s the sudden jump in the number of bands fronted by women who are given attention almost exclusively for that sometimes. I’ve always found it odd when people make that a big deal because why should it be viewed any different just because a woman is in front? Sure, it’s not as often an occurrence but like everything else, for me, it all depends on how it comes together with no matter who’s singing. It’s with their debut EP that Kings Winter gives us a fantastic piece as to just how that can be done.

Flaunting power metal elements wrapped in a very catchy and melodic coat that’s fantastic to dig right into, the six tracks that Kings Winter has brought to life with their debut are the exact sort of thing that’s even remotely close to power metal that I’ve been able to really get into in recent times. Not sure why that is, but there’s something about “Forging the Cataclysm” that just captures that spirit so spectacularly well as they bring together fantastic elements from classy metal to more flamboyant names that really bring the adventure to the table when the content is in question, and there’s no doubt to me here that the adventure Kings Winter has started for themselves here is off to a tremendous start. It’s from the vocals that mix beautifully with the surrounding riffs and soaring melodies to the pure catchiness of it all that immediately sinks its hook into you with no sign of release that allowed “Forging the Cataclysm” to be an immensely absorbing listen that constantly rewards. There are the normal, understandable missteps that any debut effort would have, but they’re so minuscule and swarmed by excellence that they’re virtually nonexistent as Kings Winter proceeds to do no less than dominate with just six fabulous songs.

You can really hear the talent and passion that’s poured into this record, and it’s just with some time that I can definitely see Kings Winter honing their craft into a vicious weapon. “Forging the Cataclysm” is an already amazingly interesting EP, and I can easily see it being out-classed with the next piece that Kings Winter will throw at us, and I’d be more than ecstatic to tell you all that I fucking told you so.

“Forging the Cataclysm” releases on June 22nd!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Forging the Cataclysm” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Kings Winter on Facebook here.