Obituary started the new year with their best album in many years. Now, Frozen Soul ices the summer heat with an album of the year contender. Significant improvement over their prior album, which was also good.
I absolutely love this album. I understand how you guys feel about how it’s a little different from crypt of ice. I feel it has a little more groove than crypt, but at the same time, it sounds like FS. I will for sure be blasting this album for awhile.
Necrotic Nick- I dig it but it does have some issues that just make a it bit less enjoyable than the debut. I'm still going to jam the hell out of it and it may grow on me more after awhile. Either way, they still brought the riffs and the groove which I'll always love.
Great review to a band I was just turned onto today. Really cool band and Frozen Soul is my favorite song through the first listen. Keep up the good work.
My copy is on its way, i loved the first album, and enjoyed the singles released from this one, so was highly anticipated. I was kinda expecting another glowing review for this from you guys, considering other reviewers have all raved about it. Oh well, 3.5 is still pretty good i spose. Good review again anyway guys!
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! 3.5 is still a damn good album but I did end up having some issues that brought it down a bit. There's not a bad track on here but I think some of the production choices didn't work as well and while I liked the addition of more melody it seemed to focused on the middle of the album. It's still awesome but I'm just picky I guess lol.
I’m hearing a little bit of Trivium in there. The same way there was Disturbed in the Draiman produced Vengeance Falls, there’s a little of Matt in this production.
Necrotic Nick- I can hear that in some of the melodies too. It's not a bad thing. If anything I think Heafy brought out their melodic side more on this one.
Necrotic Nick- It's a solid album but I still think Crypt of Ice is a better album. That's just me though and I have had a ton of time with that album.
You guys turned me on Frozen Soul with the first album and I was definitely looking forward to this one being released. A lot of your points in the review were spot on. Totally agree with the rating as well. It will be interesting to see where the next album goes. 🤘
Necrotic Nick- Crypt of Ice is still a favorite of mine to jam and I really dig this one too. While they did make a slightly different album this time I think the production feels a bit too clean for their sound. All in all though this is a solid album and I'll be jamming it more in the future.
Live is the perfect way to hear Frozen Soul…can’t miss band in my book…frosty album falls right in line with the last album with some spice added to the cave man stew that these Texas groove fiends are always brewing…Arsenal and Effigy…Death and Glory last four tracks destroyyyy. Outer Heaven has returnedddd new song and video are killerrrrr another insanely great live band Frozen Soul Outer Heaven tour would be sickening
Necrotic Nick- Live they absolutely destroy on every level. Their sound, the crowd engagement and just their overall energy is infectious. I dig this one but they really set a precedence with their debut and I think the clearer production kinda holds this one back a bit. Still, there's not a bad song on this one honestly. That new Outer Heaven track is sick. I can't wait to jam that one when it drops.
Gatecreeper and tomb mold aside outer heaven is my fav modern osdm band…been waiting so long for the follow up of Realms it’s an all timer for me and having seen these savages live twice, once with tomb mold superstition khemmis and Primitve man in Kentucky of all places at then in Detroit with ulthar misery index and nails two of the most insane shows I’ve witnessed..so psyched they’re back…Cat Decap this Sunday the adrenaline stew is already brewing and 200SW Pontiac is gonna implode
Thanks for the review bros! I listened to a few songs off this and I like it. I hear Bolt-Thrower and I also hear Morbid Angel as well. I guess I can also hear Suffocation (such a great fucking band), and other old school stuff; like you guys said. Again, love having new stuff to check out and it is so fucking easy to just add an album on Tidal. Rock \m/
Necrotic Nick- Man, that's a tough call because that new Cattle Decapitation is really growing on me. I am looking forward to the new 200 Stab Wounds though.
I want to know whats a 5 star death metal (or any other subgenre) record from the new era of bands for you. a top 10 or a ranking video on this topic is due my dudes.
Necrotic Nick- That would be a big undertaking because there's no way I could widdle it down to 10. Do EPs count? What's the cut off for "new era" here? 5 years? 10 Years? Just the 2020's? If they're all 5 stars albums wouldn't it be kinda pointless to rank them since they're all clearly top tier? Lots of variables here.
@@thrallsofmetal I would say anything from the past 20 years could be considered new era. or past 15 years. eps count as well sure. well it would be a cream of the crop list. all 5 star but some closer to you than others. Im sure you like perfect albums in different ways.
Necrotic Nick- Agreed. This band fucking rules live. We're sadly missing Hell in the Harbor but we will be back at MDF in 2024 for sure. Hails right back at you, man!
I am now just discovering this band I saw them open up for obituary cannibal corpse and amon amarth and they absolutely crushed and whooped ass live I was mind blown how awesome they are but yeah new fan here and the this album is so good
Another Solid release from Frozen Soul. I do think this is a slight step up though. A little bit more Grit would definitely help I do agree there, with Bolt Thrower style death metal like this more muscle and grit is needed imo.
Necrotic Nick- In some respects I think it's a step up. The inclusion of more epic melodies is a nice touch but I feel like they really centered them in one section of the album which made them run together a bit. Yeah, the production is just a bit too clean for me for what their sound entails too. The songs still rip though which is the main thing.
I love the first album but I admit I was a bit apprehensive about the new one given Matt from Trivium produced it and I am not a fan of Trivium (just my own opinion), but can’t wait to hear it! Another great video guys, I love Jon’s BT shirt!
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! I knew this one was going to sound different since Heafy's production is generally more polished but despite that this was still really solid. It may grow on me more as I listen to it too.
Necrotic Nick- I had him written down in my notes I just forgot to bring him up. I have his last album and I thought it was pretty solid. I prefer the new wave side of his sound to the black metal side though.
Necrotic Nick- See, I dig the first one a bit more because it did a great job blending all that Bolt Thrower love with the more brutal death stuff. This one feels more locked on Bolt Thrower with the more brutal elements dialed down on a good chunk of the album. There's not a bad track on the album but there are elements from the first one that I do miss here.
Necrotic Nick- Very much so. This is probably the most polished thing I think I've heard that involves Jack Control. I definitely feel more of Heafy's influence on this one.
Necrotic Nick- If you love Bolt Thrower you're bound to dig this band in general. I'm sure by now you saw our review for the new The Ocean album. Sorry, I got a bit backed up on the comments section here.
A 4/5 for me. Love it, although, don’t know if it’s better than the first overall. When I first heard ‘Morbid Effigy’, I thought the guitars had gone from Bud to bud light. Better riffs than the first album, but the album was more same-y. However, I will say I was caught off guard by that thrashy section in ‘Abominable’!
Necrotic Nick- I dig it overall and they definitely brought the riffs once again. I wish the production had more grit to it and I do have some pacing issues as well as issues with the over abundance of synths but overall it was pretty damn good. I did really enjoy that thrashy nod on Abominable. It complimented the lead really well.
Necrotic Nick- Man, there has been a ton already this year. That Sermon album we went over is up there but Cattle Decapitation, Drain, Enforced and Unearth have really been getting a lot of plays here.
Would love to hear something from You about the new album of "Japanische Kampfhörspiele" being released on 26th of May. Don´t know if You even know them. German Popgrind project (that´s how they call it themselves) being active quite a while now (20 years, at least 10 albums), yet still total underground. At least now You have heared of them.
Necrotic Nick- Popgrind? I'm actually kinda curious as to how that works musically now lol. I might check it out if I have time. I'm currently still going over a ton of stuff I bought in Florida so it may be awhile.
Agreed. Most review sites I’ve seen have given it a 9 or 10. That’s insane. It’s certainly not bad, buts it’s not great and it doesn’t live up to the super-high bar that the debut set. It’d be 6.5/10 or maybe a 7 for me.
Necrotic Nick- It's a solid album but I can't see giving it a perfect score. That's just me though and taste is subjective anyway so to each their own there.
@@thrallsofmetal Yeah, agreed. Definitely solid and there’ll be times I want to listen to it, but in a Frozen Soul mood I guess I’m mostly going to be reaching for the debut. That’s just me though and I can imagine that if someone came to this one first then they might prefer it. Taste is a fickle thing.
All the great sounds and songwriting from the first album but with a boost in production that still retains their trademark grimey analog sound. Like most I was nervous at first hearing that Matt Heafy was producing the album but all my fears were squashed upon hearing the album. It's fucking solid in my opinion, 8/10 for me!
Necrotic Nick- Yeah, I'm not as big of a fan of the production here. It's missing the grit and grime that was on the debut for me. Heafy is good at doing more polished production but this band's sound needs a bit of filth in it. Overall the music is killer though and outside of some other issues this is a pretty solid follow up to a massive debut.
@@thrallsofmetal that would be cool if next time around they got someone like Arthur Rizk, Billy Anderson or Steve Albini to make a super grimey 3rd album!
I agree with a lot of what you guys said. The production immediately stood out, the debut had so much more bottom end. It just sounded so much heavier. It’s also much faster, there’s not enough of the super heavy slow deathdoom sections that populated Crypt of Ice. Crypt of Ice is definitely my favourite of the two. Not that is bad, but it lacks impact. C of I was so much heavier.
Necrotic Nick- Yeah, there was more a of thickness to the sound overall on Crypt of Ice versus this one and it really added a lot of depth when it came down to the slower parts. This one though does have better production for pushing in a more melodic direction which they did on some of this one. This is still a solid album overall though.
Decent effort for their sophomore offering. Def production better than predecessor. Def Bolt Thrower worship. Agree with what John said about needing heft and what Nick mentioned on repetiveness. Be cool to see them do a Death Metal version cover of Winter/Deep Freeze/Winter Retreat by Judas Priest.
Necrotic Nick- I think it's a solid follow up but it it's missing some of what I dug about the debut. I'm not a big fan of the production being so clean. I think death metal needs more grit to it and this is just a bit to polished for their sound. The middle of the album was a bit too samey but it was a cool sameness overall and I'd love to hear them do some ice themed covers in the future lol.
Killer record, love the music and the artwork 🤘 Recently i discovered Sabiendas - Repulsive Transgression death metal from Germany definitely check them out 🤘🔥
I feel kind of the same about their music that I did before . I really dig some songs but some are kind of same sounding. Personally, I think they are like an A+ opening band. I enjoyed most of the new album..felt that some of those John Carpenter parts weren’t strategically used..they kind of don’t blend well into some songs.
Necrotic Nick- They definitely have a box they fit in but it's a pretty fun box full of riffs and groove which pretty much what I want from these guys. I love horror synths but they did overuse them a bit on here and they always didn't match up with the vibe of the song. Still, I enjoyed it but as it stands I think their debut was stronger.
Knew this was gonna be killer and it didn't disappoint. They've pretty much stuck to the formula from Crypt of Ice but they've just added leads to it. I dig it a lot, the song Frozen Soul sounds kinda like the best Amon Amarth song that they didn't write, the title track is killer, and I love Invisible Tormentor. That being said, pretty much the whole album kicks a decent amount of ass. Even the synth interlude that sounds more like you're about to launch into an 80s power ballad 🤣 Is it as good as Crypt of Ice? I don't know yet, it's too early to tell. But it's a good follow up nonetheless. Can't fucking wait to see them at Bloodstock in August 🤘🤘
YESSS TO THAT AMON AMARTH COMMENT... bravo. I almost said that verbatim as I first listened. That or more like something about how I wish this was what AA was still writing...
Necrotic Nick- It's a solid album and a good follow up to their amazing debut. I do have some issues with it but I really didn't find a song that I didn't like. They added some solid melodic hooks and I think the Amon Amarth comparisons are warranted. I kinda wish they had broken up those kinda songs a bit more since the middle of the album is really loaded with them and I love the synths but they're a tad overused and don't always fit. I still dig it warts and all though.
What? You didn't review the new Yes album? /s (It ended up being just okay, anyway.) I wonder if maybe Frozen Soul wasn't going to really win in this situation. Like you said, their first album came out of nowhere and was a big deal, but now that we know about them, expectations are set, and there was no way Frozen Soul was going to blow everyone away again. It may be easy to say they've hit the typical sophomore slump, but I wonder if this album won't be a grower, as we continue to hear it as is and not judge it based on our anticipations. As for the album itself, I thought it was decent, mostly more of the same as the first. I did think the inclusion of all the synths was odd, though. I like my synthwave (in fact, I thought Annihilation was a solid track, on its own), but given that the band hadn't really done synths like this on the first album, it was certainly strange. Also, Morbid Effigy was a little too chaotic for me. Still, I liked the Bolt Thrower grooves and occasional dip into epicness, but I suppose that's not a surprise from a power metal fan like me.
Necrotic Nick- I legit didn't know they were dropping a new album. I might still check it out but I really haven't checked out much modern Yes. I think the explosion of their debut created a ton of hype around the next one and sophomore albums are generally viewed as the toughest ones since it's the one that could determine whether you're hear to stay or just a flash in the pan. I think they did a solid job on this one but there are some issues that make me like it a bit less than the debut. The polished production, the overuse of synths and some of the issues I had with the pacing are the bigger issues for me. Outside of that I really dug the album. The Bolt Thrower aspect they nailed once again and the inclusion of more melodies made the songs sound more triumphant. I could have used some more flat out brutal songs though but that's just me.
Crypt of ice was sick ...I have been waiting for these necks to churn out another one ...hopefully brutal so heeeeeeeeell yeah 💯 can't wait to grab this yessir 😁🤘😋👊
Necrotic Nick- I fucking love that debut. Start to finish it's a brutal, frosty beast. This is pretty sick too though I do have some slight issues with it.
This one was kinda a let down for me. The bass, what bass? we are Metallica AJFA territories here. The melodies were more close to Arch Enemy than the mighty carcass. 3/5 for me.
Necrotic Nick- Production wise this was a bit of a miss and while the bass is audible in terms of filling out the sound you really can't hear it being actually played. I don't think it's quite And Justice levels of muffling but it's noticeable. I really didn't hear Arch Enemy at all but there is definitely more melody on this one for sure. I still dug it though.
Necrotic Nick- I think in some aspects they progressed especially in the melody department but I feel like it got a bit caught up in that style on too many back to back tracks. I like the blend of that old school brutal death metal and the Bolt Thrower stuff and I felt I like I got one or the other on here. Still, I dig it. They brought the riffs once again and I'm sure these songs will translate well live.
@@thrallsofmetal ohh yea it's a good album. I just think it was to modern sounding for the style. These bands leaving maggot stomp will end this new DM hype and ppl will treat it like core,djent, nu metal in a few years. Wish they all stayed off big lables. Hope 200 stab wounds won't go the clean production rout this fall.
Necrotic Nick- Hype bands are a tricky thing. They often get blown up in the media and fail to match up to the hype. I don't think that's the case here personally. I think this band is awesome but I just happen to like their debut more than this one. It's still a solid album though and they absolutely nail the Bolt Thrower sound.
Didn’t enjoy this one as much as Crypt Of Ice, the production is way thinner and just doesn’t have that kick! Decent album, but for me it just doesn’t have that real replay value like the first album did, there’s not alot that really stood out for me. I think this is mainly down to the thin and pretty flat sounding production. Still a big fan of the band though.
I haven’t heard it yet, but I was thinking just from the singles that it seemed like it was lacking calories and sounded a bit thin. Still really excited for the vinyl to come but there are a ton of much better releases this month.
Necrotic Nick- It's a solid album but I do take issue with the production being too clean for their sound in particular. I think death metal needs more grit to it and more of a live feel. Still, the songs are solid as hell though and that's what matters.
I saw Matt Heafy (the guy who produced this album) with his own band Trivium! It was in 2014 as part of the now defunct Mayhem Festival in the Auburn suburb of Seattle, Washington. Trivium was on the main stage along with metalcore/hard rock/heavy metal act Avenged Sevenfold (who are releasing their long-awaited eighth studio album in two weeks and were the headliner that night) and Korn! Also, on August 11th, the Canadian death metal crew Kataklysm are releasing their 15th studio album, entitled Goliath!
Two and a half hr drive away from Heafy resides a lesser known man named Eric Rutan. He's more qualified to produce this record and would push the band in a better direction.
Necrotic Nick- Rutan's production is hit or miss with me as well. Sometimes you get a solid mix and sometimes you get a muddy train wreck like Fury and the Flames with him. I'd rather see Swano or Rizsk take this one on.
Necrotic Nick- Taste is subjective, bro. We still enjoyed the album. It isn't as though we trashed and gave it a low score. It's a good album but I have some issues with it. It's just an opinion and if you think it's better than what we rated it as or worse that's cool. To each their own.
This might be my album of the year. Been playing on repeat! So good!
Obituary started the new year with their best album in many years. Now, Frozen Soul ices the summer heat with an album of the year contender. Significant improvement over their prior album, which was also good.
I absolutely love this album. I understand how you guys feel about how it’s a little different from crypt of ice. I feel it has a little more groove than crypt, but at the same time, it sounds like FS. I will for sure be blasting this album for awhile.
Necrotic Nick- I dig it but it does have some issues that just make a it bit less enjoyable than the debut. I'm still going to jam the hell out of it and it may grow on me more after awhile. Either way, they still brought the riffs and the groove which I'll always love.
It's really good. They do what they do, heavy doomy riffs and groove. Production is crispy. Gonna be in heavy rotation.
Necrotic Nick- I'm definitely going to jam it a lot this year for sure. Solid album.
I love bolt thrower and frozen soul rips. Love the shirt jammin John
Necrotic Nick- You can't go wrong with either band in my book.
Blown away with how good this album is. Texas metal bands holding down the fort. Great review as always!
Right on brother!
Mike,TX🍻
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! It's a solid album for sure. I still think the production is way too clean for them but I dig the songs.
Listening to it it this morning - pretty awesome so far
Necrotic Nick- It's a solid album for sure.
Great review to a band I was just turned onto today. Really cool band and Frozen Soul is my favorite song through the first listen. Keep up the good work.
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! I'm glad you dug the review and the album!
My copy is on its way, i loved the first album, and enjoyed the singles released from this one, so was highly anticipated. I was kinda expecting another glowing review for this from you guys, considering other reviewers have all raved about it. Oh well, 3.5 is still pretty good i spose. Good review again anyway guys!
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! 3.5 is still a damn good album but I did end up having some issues that brought it down a bit. There's not a bad track on here but I think some of the production choices didn't work as well and while I liked the addition of more melody it seemed to focused on the middle of the album. It's still awesome but I'm just picky I guess lol.
I’m hearing a little bit of Trivium in there. The same way there was Disturbed in the Draiman produced Vengeance Falls, there’s a little of Matt in this production.
Necrotic Nick- I can hear that in some of the melodies too. It's not a bad thing. If anything I think Heafy brought out their melodic side more on this one.
Looking forward to this, one of if not the most exiting death metal bands around. Loved the debut and hoping this is just as good
Necrotic Nick- It's a solid album but I still think Crypt of Ice is a better album. That's just me though and I have had a ton of time with that album.
You guys turned me on Frozen Soul with the first album and I was definitely looking forward to this one being released. A lot of your points in the review were spot on. Totally agree with the rating as well. It will be interesting to see where the next album goes. 🤘
Necrotic Nick- Crypt of Ice is still a favorite of mine to jam and I really dig this one too. While they did make a slightly different album this time I think the production feels a bit too clean for their sound. All in all though this is a solid album and I'll be jamming it more in the future.
Live is the perfect way to hear Frozen Soul…can’t miss band in my book…frosty album falls right in line with the last album with some spice added to the cave man stew that these Texas groove fiends are always brewing…Arsenal and Effigy…Death and Glory last four tracks destroyyyy. Outer Heaven has returnedddd new song and video are killerrrrr another insanely great live band Frozen Soul Outer Heaven tour would be sickening
Necrotic Nick- Live they absolutely destroy on every level. Their sound, the crowd engagement and just their overall energy is infectious. I dig this one but they really set a precedence with their debut and I think the clearer production kinda holds this one back a bit. Still, there's not a bad song on this one honestly. That new Outer Heaven track is sick. I can't wait to jam that one when it drops.
Gatecreeper and tomb mold aside outer heaven is my fav modern osdm band…been waiting so long for the follow up of Realms it’s an all timer for me and having seen these savages live twice, once with tomb mold superstition khemmis and Primitve man in Kentucky of all places at then in Detroit with ulthar misery index and nails two of the most insane shows I’ve witnessed..so psyched they’re back…Cat Decap this Sunday the adrenaline stew is already brewing and 200SW Pontiac is gonna implode
Thanks for the review bros! I listened to a few songs off this and I like it. I hear Bolt-Thrower and I also hear Morbid Angel as well. I guess I can also hear Suffocation (such a great fucking band), and other old school stuff; like you guys said. Again, love having new stuff to check out and it is so fucking easy to just add an album on Tidal. Rock \m/
Darksynth lord Gost also features on a few of the tracks which is awesome. He is one of my fave artists.
Necrotic Nick- I legit forgot to bring him up by name. I even had him in my notes... ugh.
i heard this album the other week and texas death metal run that the production here sounds groovy for their second album damn i dig it
i wanna buy of one of their new longsleeves the artworks are A plus
Necrotic Nick- I still need a Frozen Soul shirt so it may be time to do some shopping.
Love Frozen Soul! 4 of 5
We need some more jamming jon picks soon
Necrotic Nick- He's working on bringing back What's Jon Jammin' in the future. Hitting a deer kinda sidelined him for a bit unfortunately.
Awesome
Really good sophomore record! But yeah very clean and missing that grit from the demo and the first record. But I'm here for the bolt thrower worship
Nice review fellas. You guys reviewing the new Vomitheist? I think you may be very pleased if you do👌🏼
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! We didn't get a chance to check that one out but I might cover it in a collection update in the future.
Until new 200 Stab Wounds, I'd say this is the best death metal of the year so far!
Necrotic Nick- Man, that's a tough call because that new Cattle Decapitation is really growing on me. I am looking forward to the new 200 Stab Wounds though.
Agree, counting down the days to new 200 stab wounds, this however is superb.
Great time to be alive 😎
Great review can't wait to get the hard copy. Great channel guys just found ya and subbed ya up. Mike, TX 🍻
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! Welcome aboard!
I want to know whats a 5 star death metal (or any other subgenre) record from the new era of bands for you. a top 10 or a ranking video on this topic is due my dudes.
Necrotic Nick- That would be a big undertaking because there's no way I could widdle it down to 10. Do EPs count? What's the cut off for "new era" here? 5 years? 10 Years? Just the 2020's? If they're all 5 stars albums wouldn't it be kinda pointless to rank them since they're all clearly top tier? Lots of variables here.
@@thrallsofmetal I would say anything from the past 20 years could be considered new era. or past 15 years. eps count as well sure. well it would be a cream of the crop list. all 5 star but some closer to you than others. Im sure you like perfect albums in different ways.
Always fun to see frozen soul live. Are you guys going to hell in the harbor in Baltimore ? Salute the thralls
Necrotic Nick- Agreed. This band fucking rules live. We're sadly missing Hell in the Harbor but we will be back at MDF in 2024 for sure. Hails right back at you, man!
Love me some FROZEN SOUL ! Been jamming this All Day 🤘🏻💯
Necrotic Nick- Same here. I'm definitely going to be jamming this a lot more in the future.
I am now just discovering this band I saw them open up for obituary cannibal corpse and amon amarth and they absolutely crushed and whooped ass live I was mind blown how awesome they are but yeah new fan here and the this album is so good
Death metal is in such a good place 😌
Another Solid release from Frozen Soul. I do think this is a slight step up though. A little bit more Grit would definitely help I do agree there, with Bolt Thrower style death metal like this more muscle and grit is needed imo.
Necrotic Nick- In some respects I think it's a step up. The inclusion of more epic melodies is a nice touch but I feel like they really centered them in one section of the album which made them run together a bit. Yeah, the production is just a bit too clean for me for what their sound entails too. The songs still rip though which is the main thing.
The band War Master sounds just like bolt thrower too ( go figure, with that name )
"I'm here to kick ass and hear the CHUGGZ 'N DISS'NINCE...and I'm about all outta chuggz n diss'nince!" [Unwrapping king size candy bar] - Jammin Jon
Necrotic Nick- I showed him this comment and he laughed his ass off lol.
@@thrallsofmetal 😄😄🤣 🙏 😎
I love the first album but I admit I was a bit apprehensive about the new one given Matt from Trivium produced it and I am not a fan of Trivium (just my own opinion), but can’t wait to hear it! Another great video guys, I love Jon’s BT shirt!
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! I knew this one was going to sound different since Heafy's production is generally more polished but despite that this was still really solid. It may grow on me more as I listen to it too.
Good review guys but no mention of Gost ? Gost is one of the leaders of Synthwave which to me bookends Frozen Soul and Assimilator.
Necrotic Nick- I had him written down in my notes I just forgot to bring him up. I have his last album and I thought it was pretty solid. I prefer the new wave side of his sound to the black metal side though.
@@thrallsofmetal Gost is one of my fave artists. Like an even darker more sinister NIN.
Maybe the horror synths are a note out of Fulci's book?
Necrotic Nick- They definitely have that vibe but I still get a lot of John Carpenter as well.
I loved their first album but it was way too repetitive and samey throughout. This one is way better.
Necrotic Nick- See, I dig the first one a bit more because it did a great job blending all that Bolt Thrower love with the more brutal death stuff. This one feels more locked on Bolt Thrower with the more brutal elements dialed down on a good chunk of the album. There's not a bad track on the album but there are elements from the first one that I do miss here.
Matt Heafy and Jack Control are on different ends of the musical spectrum. A real wintry mix...
Necrotic Nick- Very much so. This is probably the most polished thing I think I've heard that involves Jack Control. I definitely feel more of Heafy's influence on this one.
Never really listened to this band but all I hear are good things so I’ll check this one out. You guys planning on reviewing the new The Ocean album??
Necrotic Nick- If you love Bolt Thrower you're bound to dig this band in general. I'm sure by now you saw our review for the new The Ocean album. Sorry, I got a bit backed up on the comments section here.
@@thrallsofmetal really dug this album as a Bolt Thrower fan. And no worries, saw the Ocean review yesterday so I’m satisfied
A 4/5 for me. Love it, although, don’t know if it’s better than the first overall. When I first heard ‘Morbid Effigy’, I thought the guitars had gone from Bud to bud light. Better riffs than the first album, but the album was more same-y. However, I will say I was caught off guard by that thrashy section in ‘Abominable’!
Necrotic Nick- I dig it overall and they definitely brought the riffs once again. I wish the production had more grit to it and I do have some pacing issues as well as issues with the over abundance of synths but overall it was pretty damn good. I did really enjoy that thrashy nod on Abominable. It complimented the lead really well.
What albums have caught you guys' attention so far this year??
Necrotic Nick- Man, there has been a ton already this year. That Sermon album we went over is up there but Cattle Decapitation, Drain, Enforced and Unearth have really been getting a lot of plays here.
@Thralls Of Metal same here. I'll add Ocean of Grief, Fathomage, Ulthar and Fires in the Distance.
Gotta say new Metallica keeps growing on me
I appreciate the honest take. ‘23 is kind of deflating just a bit from new in ‘22. There are many stand outs but quite a few buzzkills.
Necrotic Nick- There's still plenty of year to go but so far it's been good but not as good as previous years.
You guys should do a whole discography of Angel Corpse 🤘
@@robertsparling917 yes they did, amazing albums 🤘
Necrotic Nick- I wouldn't mind doing that one in the future.
Would love to hear something from You about the new album of "Japanische Kampfhörspiele" being released on 26th of May.
Don´t know if You even know them. German Popgrind project (that´s how they call it themselves) being active quite a while now (20 years, at least 10 albums), yet still total underground.
At least now You have heared of them.
Necrotic Nick- Popgrind? I'm actually kinda curious as to how that works musically now lol. I might check it out if I have time. I'm currently still going over a ton of stuff I bought in Florida so it may be awhile.
Thought it was Ghost featuring lol
Great Album! This month has been stacked with great Metal!
Necrotic Nick- This week has some bangers coming as well too.
@@thrallsofmetal Vomitory this friday with their new record! 🤘🏽
"arctic stranglehold"...shit, now I have the idea of Frozen Soul covering Ted Nugent...and I need to hear it!!
Necrotic Nick- I kinda wonder what that riff would sound like with Frozen Soul's chunky tone now lol
After hearing it yesterday I agree with score, it certainly doesn't deserve a 10 like some people are giving it.
Agreed. Most review sites I’ve seen have given it a 9 or 10. That’s insane. It’s certainly not bad, buts it’s not great and it doesn’t live up to the super-high bar that the debut set. It’d be 6.5/10 or maybe a 7 for me.
@@jmalinjapan7786 yep
Necrotic Nick- It's a solid album but I can't see giving it a perfect score. That's just me though and taste is subjective anyway so to each their own there.
@@thrallsofmetal Yeah, agreed. Definitely solid and there’ll be times I want to listen to it, but in a Frozen Soul mood I guess I’m mostly going to be reaching for the debut. That’s just me though and I can imagine that if someone came to this one first then they might prefer it. Taste is a fickle thing.
All the great sounds and songwriting from the first album but with a boost in production that still retains their trademark grimey analog sound. Like most I was nervous at first hearing that Matt Heafy was producing the album but all my fears were squashed upon hearing the album. It's fucking solid in my opinion, 8/10 for me!
Necrotic Nick- Yeah, I'm not as big of a fan of the production here. It's missing the grit and grime that was on the debut for me. Heafy is good at doing more polished production but this band's sound needs a bit of filth in it. Overall the music is killer though and outside of some other issues this is a pretty solid follow up to a massive debut.
@@thrallsofmetal that would be cool if next time around they got someone like Arthur Rizk, Billy Anderson or Steve Albini to make a super grimey 3rd album!
I agree with a lot of what you guys said. The production immediately stood out, the debut had so much more bottom end. It just sounded so much heavier. It’s also much faster, there’s not enough of the super heavy slow deathdoom sections that populated Crypt of Ice. Crypt of Ice is definitely my favourite of the two. Not that is bad, but it lacks impact. C of I was so much heavier.
Necrotic Nick- Yeah, there was more a of thickness to the sound overall on Crypt of Ice versus this one and it really added a lot of depth when it came down to the slower parts. This one though does have better production for pushing in a more melodic direction which they did on some of this one. This is still a solid album overall though.
Decent effort for their sophomore offering. Def production better than predecessor. Def Bolt Thrower worship. Agree with what John said about needing heft and what Nick mentioned on repetiveness. Be cool to see them do a Death Metal version cover of Winter/Deep Freeze/Winter Retreat by Judas Priest.
Necrotic Nick- I think it's a solid follow up but it it's missing some of what I dug about the debut. I'm not a big fan of the production being so clean. I think death metal needs more grit to it and this is just a bit to polished for their sound. The middle of the album was a bit too samey but it was a cool sameness overall and I'd love to hear them do some ice themed covers in the future lol.
@@thrallsofmetal exactly 🤘
Arsenal Of War is my shit in the gym haha
Killer record, love the music and the artwork 🤘
Recently i discovered Sabiendas - Repulsive Transgression death metal from Germany definitely check them out 🤘🔥
I feel kind of the same about their music that I did before . I really dig some songs but some are kind of same sounding. Personally, I think they are like an A+ opening band. I enjoyed most of the new album..felt that some of those John Carpenter parts weren’t strategically used..they kind of don’t blend well into some songs.
Necrotic Nick- They definitely have a box they fit in but it's a pretty fun box full of riffs and groove which pretty much what I want from these guys. I love horror synths but they did overuse them a bit on here and they always didn't match up with the vibe of the song. Still, I enjoyed it but as it stands I think their debut was stronger.
Knew this was gonna be killer and it didn't disappoint. They've pretty much stuck to the formula from Crypt of Ice but they've just added leads to it. I dig it a lot, the song Frozen Soul sounds kinda like the best Amon Amarth song that they didn't write, the title track is killer, and I love Invisible Tormentor. That being said, pretty much the whole album kicks a decent amount of ass. Even the synth interlude that sounds more like you're about to launch into an 80s power ballad 🤣
Is it as good as Crypt of Ice? I don't know yet, it's too early to tell. But it's a good follow up nonetheless. Can't fucking wait to see them at Bloodstock in August 🤘🤘
YESSS TO THAT AMON AMARTH COMMENT... bravo. I almost said that verbatim as I first listened. That or more like something about how I wish this was what AA was still writing...
Necrotic Nick- It's a solid album and a good follow up to their amazing debut. I do have some issues with it but I really didn't find a song that I didn't like. They added some solid melodic hooks and I think the Amon Amarth comparisons are warranted. I kinda wish they had broken up those kinda songs a bit more since the middle of the album is really loaded with them and I love the synths but they're a tad overused and don't always fit. I still dig it warts and all though.
What? You didn't review the new Yes album? /s (It ended up being just okay, anyway.)
I wonder if maybe Frozen Soul wasn't going to really win in this situation. Like you said, their first album came out of nowhere and was a big deal, but now that we know about them, expectations are set, and there was no way Frozen Soul was going to blow everyone away again. It may be easy to say they've hit the typical sophomore slump, but I wonder if this album won't be a grower, as we continue to hear it as is and not judge it based on our anticipations.
As for the album itself, I thought it was decent, mostly more of the same as the first. I did think the inclusion of all the synths was odd, though. I like my synthwave (in fact, I thought Annihilation was a solid track, on its own), but given that the band hadn't really done synths like this on the first album, it was certainly strange. Also, Morbid Effigy was a little too chaotic for me. Still, I liked the Bolt Thrower grooves and occasional dip into epicness, but I suppose that's not a surprise from a power metal fan like me.
Necrotic Nick- I legit didn't know they were dropping a new album. I might still check it out but I really haven't checked out much modern Yes. I think the explosion of their debut created a ton of hype around the next one and sophomore albums are generally viewed as the toughest ones since it's the one that could determine whether you're hear to stay or just a flash in the pan. I think they did a solid job on this one but there are some issues that make me like it a bit less than the debut. The polished production, the overuse of synths and some of the issues I had with the pacing are the bigger issues for me. Outside of that I really dug the album. The Bolt Thrower aspect they nailed once again and the inclusion of more melodies made the songs sound more triumphant. I could have used some more flat out brutal songs though but that's just me.
Creeping Death & Frozen Soul carrying the Texas Death Metal supremacy.
I love Frozen Soul this band rules and excellently articulated review of this album good just not great.
Crypt of ice was sick ...I have been waiting for these necks to churn out another one ...hopefully brutal so heeeeeeeeell yeah 💯 can't wait to grab this yessir 😁🤘😋👊
Necrotic Nick- I fucking love that debut. Start to finish it's a brutal, frosty beast. This is pretty sick too though I do have some slight issues with it.
@@thrallsofmetal duuuuude that first album is just such raw brutality hands down aye 😋
@@thrallsofmetal yeah man I see what you mean bout this latest album although killer it's a little polished unlike the first one aye 🤔
First 4 tracks on the album are absolutely godly and sexual...the title track, however, is...........lulz.
This one was kinda a let down for me. The bass, what bass? we are Metallica AJFA territories here. The melodies were more close to Arch Enemy than the mighty carcass. 3/5 for me.
Necrotic Nick- Production wise this was a bit of a miss and while the bass is audible in terms of filling out the sound you really can't hear it being actually played. I don't think it's quite And Justice levels of muffling but it's noticeable. I really didn't hear Arch Enemy at all but there is definitely more melody on this one for sure. I still dug it though.
I just gave the album a proper listen and quite frankly I think its a progression from the first album. 4/5
Necrotic Nick- I think in some aspects they progressed especially in the melody department but I feel like it got a bit caught up in that style on too many back to back tracks. I like the blend of that old school brutal death metal and the Bolt Thrower stuff and I felt I like I got one or the other on here. Still, I dig it. They brought the riffs once again and I'm sure these songs will translate well live.
I prefer the first album way more. Sounds more 90s. Way too glossy for old school DM.
Necrotic Nick- This is still solid but I do like the debut more. I've had more time with the debut too though.
@@thrallsofmetal ohh yea it's a good album. I just think it was to modern sounding for the style. These bands leaving maggot stomp will end this new DM hype and ppl will treat it like core,djent, nu metal in a few years. Wish they all stayed off big lables. Hope 200 stab wounds won't go the clean production rout this fall.
I’ll be honest im just not seeing the hype in most of the bands receiving hype these days… spirit box, sleep token, frozen soul, and whatever else.
Necrotic Nick- Hype bands are a tricky thing. They often get blown up in the media and fail to match up to the hype. I don't think that's the case here personally. I think this band is awesome but I just happen to like their debut more than this one. It's still a solid album though and they absolutely nail the Bolt Thrower sound.
Didn’t enjoy this one as much as Crypt Of Ice, the production is way thinner and just doesn’t have that kick! Decent album, but for me it just doesn’t have that real replay value like the first album did, there’s not alot that really stood out for me. I think this is mainly down to the thin and pretty flat sounding production. Still a big fan of the band though.
Better than the first one? For me it’s definitely was 🤘🏽🥶
Necrotic Nick- I'm still favoring Crypt of Ice but I still dig this one.
@@thrallsofmetal yea I know. Eh. Why we have what we have. Two ears one metal 🫶🏽🤘🏽
Rob Sparling called, disappointed none of these guys are dead. Great review guys, but still can't get into this band.
Necrotic Nick- Thanks, man! Yeah, a lack of deaths in a band tends to make Robert's interest wane a bit lol.
@@thrallsofmetal hahaha
I haven’t heard it yet, but I was thinking just from the singles that it seemed like it was lacking calories and sounded a bit thin. Still really excited for the vinyl to come but there are a ton of much better releases this month.
Necrotic Nick- It's a solid album but I do take issue with the production being too clean for their sound in particular. I think death metal needs more grit to it and more of a live feel. Still, the songs are solid as hell though and that's what matters.
I saw Matt Heafy (the guy who produced this album) with his own band Trivium! It was in 2014 as part of the now defunct Mayhem Festival in the Auburn suburb of Seattle, Washington. Trivium was on the main stage along with metalcore/hard rock/heavy metal act Avenged Sevenfold (who are releasing their long-awaited eighth studio album in two weeks and were the headliner that night) and Korn!
Also, on August 11th, the Canadian death metal crew Kataklysm are releasing their 15th studio album, entitled Goliath!
Necrotic Nick- Matt Heafy produced this album.
@@thrallsofmetal And played guitar on one of the songs on this album!
Necrotic Nick- I heard he played guitar on this album too.
Ain’t these guys just another Bolt Thrower??
Snow Thrower
Haha
@@spencergrady5501 lmfaooo. Snow thrower. Holy shit
@@thepredator666qc4 😈😜
Necrotic Nick- I've always like the name "Cold Thrower" personally lol
Two and a half hr drive away from Heafy resides a lesser known man named Eric Rutan. He's more qualified to produce this record and would push the band in a better direction.
fr who are they catering to with trivium dude producing? bad move
@@black_pig_iron I'm going to go with the label chose for them until I hear otherwise.
Necrotic Nick- Rutan's production is hit or miss with me as well. Sometimes you get a solid mix and sometimes you get a muddy train wreck like Fury and the Flames with him. I'd rather see Swano or Rizsk take this one on.
4/5
Necrotic Nick- It's closer to a 4 than it is a 3 for me for sure.
Good album the first one was better they need more grit it's death metal
Necrotic Nick- I definitely miss the grit on this one but it's still solid.
Honestly, I stopped listening to the album when it switched to melo death.
Matt Heafy shouldn't have been a part of this album. I think this is what made the album not as great , I think its too clean for a death metal album.
I hope this is better than the first borefest 😩
Necrotic Nick- I love the first album but if you didn't like it I'm not sure this will win you over as much.
Come on guys, you give 4* to bands that are far from this level of death.
Necrotic Nick- Taste is subjective, bro. We still enjoyed the album. It isn't as though we trashed and gave it a low score. It's a good album but I have some issues with it. It's just an opinion and if you think it's better than what we rated it as or worse that's cool. To each their own.
@@thrallsofmetal Fair enough.
Demo showed potential, but the album was boring. See if this new one is an improvement.
Necrotic Nick- I actually loved both the demo and Crypt of Ice. This one is a bit different but it still packs a nasty punch.
Eh, it's okay but nothing special. They promoting the shit out of this record and band. They got Frozen Soul Nintendo DS themed 😂 weird
Necrotic Nick- I saw the Frozen Soul DS. I thought that was pretty cool and an interesting promotion honestly lol.
The band War Master sounds just like bolt thrower too ( go figure, with that name )