Black metal has always thrived on atmosphere, rawness, and a certain refusal to bend to modern expectations of production and polish. Isen’s Zaklínání poslední zimy is a record that leans into that tradition with full commitment.
Across its runtime, the album is rooted firmly in the old school—cold tremolo-picked riffs, relentless percussion, and shrieked vocals that cut through the haze like icy winds. While it doesn’t set out to redefine the genre, it succeeds in crafting a work that pays tribute to its foundations while still offering flashes of individuality.
The guitars are the album’s backbone, weaving the kind of tremolo riffs that instantly recall the Scandinavian second wave. There’s a hypnotic quality to the way these riffs are repeated, creating an almost trance-like state for the listener.
Rhythmically, the drumming alternates between blasting aggression and thunderous, rolling patterns that keep the momentum unyielding. The vocals, meanwhile, are scathing and unrelenting, at times bearing a resemblance to Nattramn of Silencer—not in exact imitation, but in their tortured, unearthly tone. This vocal style works well against the dense instrumentation, adding to the sense of suffocation and despair that permeates the record.
What keeps Zaklínání poslední zimy from slipping into monotony are the subtle melodic touches that Isen sprinkles throughout. These moments don’t dominate the songs, but they appear suddenly, like glimmers of light breaking through storm clouds. A haunting lead line or a brief harmonic progression will momentarily shift the mood, catching the listener by surprise before the album plunges back into its relentless assault.
These details suggest that Isen isn’t simply copying the past, but instead is finding small ways to leave a personal mark within a rigid framework.
The production is unapologetically lo-fi, drenched in reverb and distortion that blur the edges of the music into a thick, impenetrable wall of sound. For fans of underground black metal, this is often part of the appeal—it captures a raw, unfiltered energy that more polished recordings sometimes lack. At the same time, the murkiness can also be a drawback. Songs occasionally bleed into one another, and the finer details of the instrumentation are lost in the haze. Depending on the listener, this will either feel like an essential part of the aesthetic or a limitation that holds the record back.
Where Zaklínání poslední zimy shines is in its atmosphere. True to its title, the album evokes images of frozen landscapes, desolate forests, and endless nights. It is music designed less for casual listening and more for immersion. Yet, while it nails the mood, it doesn’t quite transcend it. The record is content to remain within the established boundaries of traditional black metal, and while that makes it a faithful and enjoyable listen, it also means it lacks the innovation or daring experimentation that might have elevated it further.
Isen has delivered a very solid black metal album that honors tradition, delivers raw intensity, and captures the frozen spirit of the genre. While not groundbreaking, Zaklínání poslední zimy is a worthy listen for fans who want their black metal unfiltered and uncompromising.
Zaklínání poslední zimy is available now from Northern Silence Productions.
PRESS SOURCE: Cátia C./Against PR.
CHOICE CUT: Curse of Undeath
RATING: 3 OUT OF 5
RATING SYSTEM:
- 0: Fucking Shit
- 1: Shit
- 2: Not Bad Shit
- 3: Pretty Good Shit
- 4: Amazing Fucking Shit
- 5: The Best Shit You Will Ever Hear
