Fucking hell! These Finns are not far from being excellent in every field! It's Black Metal in it's purest form. (musically that is, ideologically this band certainly explore something much more profound than idiotic teen-satanism)

What I find the most outstanding in VINTERSEMESTRE is the overall atmosphere. There is such hatred, sadness, eerie desolation and coldness in the music. The vocalist also has a colder than usual rasp. This is Misanthropic Black Metal. You can find quotes in the booklet taken from the diary of a Russian shaman who despised society and left it all behind as he went on to live in dark forests for years.

There are no lyrics included in the booklet however. The fact is, the listener simply doesn't need them. Just listen to the atmosphere on this album and you'll see what I mean.

Songs that especially caught my attention were: "The Darkness of Asath" (the main riff in this one is brilliant!), "Satanic Oath" and "Kirvesviilto". I cannot compare this band to any other band I've heard so far...the band sounds like...VINTERSEMESTRE!

Darkness, hate and coldness. Definitely Finnish Black Metal elite.

9/10

© 2000 naargrim