At the Heart of Winter
At the Heart of Winter gives Immortal more space without losing its aggression. The guitars sound firm and clear, melodies carry greater weight and the drums provide variety within the extended songs. This remains extreme metal, but its strength comes as much from construction as from outright speed.
Withstand The Fall Of Time immediately establishes a recognisable guitar part. Heavy chords and Abbath's rasping voice define its character, while the melodies give the music a broader reach. The sound remains harsh enough to bite and clear enough for the riffs to stick. That balance makes the opener convincing.
The title track chooses another entrance. A quiet, dark instrumental opening initially places the music at a distance. When the full sound arrives, the change feels stronger as a result. Immortal does not use that space to become friendly. The threat remains present even when the guitars are not continually racing forwards.
Horgh plays an important role in that balance. His drums vary their movement and support the compositions with more than a fast foundation. Alongside the clear guitar work, that gives the songs firmer shapes. Solarfall is among the pieces that bring the record's melodic side and wintry character together effectively.
The rasping voice remains the biggest obstacle for newcomers. The extended compositions also demand more attention than a short burst would. However, the stronger melodic instinct makes this an accessible way into Immortal. At the Heart of Winter sounds ambitious while retaining its foundations. Its riffs, drumming and consistent atmosphere give the record enough individual strength to support its reputation on musical terms.
