As tempting as it always is to remain stuck in the path, some people simply cannot be bogged down by such tribulations. Growth is something that’s key to the human spirit, and something that people are always striving to achieve in some form or another whether it be in one’s personal life or artistic journey. Bands go through changes all the time. It could simply be going from one album to another or a line-up change. Sharing a common thread from the Swedish behemoth that is Amon Amarth, three former members sought to create something alike but undeniably different. With their debut, it’s clear that they did not seek to tread the same ground twice even if they are springing forth from a similar base foundation. 

Given that three out of four members of the newly formed Fimbul Winter are from the aforementioned Amon Amarth, it would have been all too easy for this act to ride the coattails of that band right out of the gate. It would have been an outright travesty of all sorts if Fimbul Winter took such a route. Fortunately for all of us, it cannot be made clear enough how much that is not the road Fimbul Winter choose take as they crafted “What Once Was”. Melodic death metal that stands on its own two legs and makes a hell of a performance in virtually every instance such that one cannot help but become encircled by the compelling storm that Fimbul Winter commands with absolute impunity, precision, and mastery. While still relatively simple in plenty of areas, it demands to be made clear that Fimbul Winter does no less than eviscerate and dominate in every single one of these five tracks. Doing far more than fumbling around in the dark hoping to bump into some sort of glory that they can latch onto, “What Once Was” draws from the vast collective experience across several bands over several years in the underground to make for a performance that’s mature, sure-footed, and always a downright blast to become enveloped by. By no means did Fimbul Winter seek to reinvent the genre or craft some sort of masterpiece. Rather, this is an EP made by musicians looking to have a damn good time, and damn if they didn’t make it a hell of a sight at the same time.

This debut could have turned out completely differently. I cannot express enough how much I am pleasantly surprised with what Fimbul Winter has accomplished here, and I am very eager to see where else they take their own personal brand of melodic death metal. Sharp, eviscerating, and satisfyingly brutal, “What Once Was” has got what you need.

LISTEN to “What Once Was” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Fimbul Winter on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Fimbul Winter on Instagram here.