The Threnody of Triumph – Winterfylleth Review

Composed of vocalist/guitarist C. Naughton, drummer S. Lucas, guitarist M. Wood, and bassist N. Wallwork, Winterfylleth is a black metal quartet hailing from Manchester England. Produced in Wales with Chris Fielding (Primordial, Electric Wizard), The Threnody of Triumph is set to be released on September 25^th in North America, which will mark the third full-length offering of these chaps. Much in the fashion of Summoning and Borknagar, the band plays a healthy combination of early Norwegian black metal mixed with folk and ambient styles reminiscent of old school Enslaved and Agalloch. The result is a dark, beautiful, and atmospheric black metal album that solidifies the band’s position as one of the leaders of the scene today.

Band: Winterfylleth
Album: The Threnody of Triumph
Genre: Black/Folk Metal
Label: Candlelight Records
Release: September 25th, 2012

The Threnody of Triumph contains everything we’re accustomed to hearing on a black metal record. Tremelo picked melodies, blast beats, shrieked vocals, you name it. But something that sets Winterfylleth apart is that they really do a tremendous job in bringing out how beautiful black metal can be. Yep, you heard me. Raw black metal. Beautiful. They are not a symphonic band, so the fact that they achieve this without the use of keyboards or orchestral instruments is most commendable. The album’s production is excellent. Instead of the screeching eardrum assault typical of traditional black metal, The Threnody of Triumph’s smooth production gives us a refreshing take on the genre, resulting in a sound of tranquil serenity… as far as black metal goes.

Through the use of catchy tremolo-picked melodies and ambient atmosphere, Winterfylleth creates a mesmerizing sound that is, and I cannot emphasize this enough, vividly enchanting. It nearly put me to sleep, and would have if I wasn’t listening on a 30 minute train ride. The music paints a picture in your mind, the colorful imagery of autumn. The band’s name is derived from the old English word for October, which no doubt plays a significant influence. Listening to the second track “The Swart Raven” is like staring across a November meadow, watching the colored leaves fall and feeling the cold breeze blow against your face. Oh, and the instrumental track, “The Afterfield Freon?” It’s simply beautiful.

Atmospheric, colorful, and haunting, The Threnody of Triumph is one of the best black metal albums I’ve heard in recent times. The album flows together like a story, and is soothing ear candy for any musician who enjoys atmosphere. I can’t wait to listen to this album in winter and absorb its full effect when the snow has fallen. But if you’re a black metal fan, do not waste any time in purchasing The Threnody of Triumph upon its late September release. You will not be disappointed.