Winterhorde – Neptunian (Review)

This is the fourth album from Israeli melodic/progressive black Metallers Winterhorde.

Following on from 2016’s Maestro, Neptunian contains 54 minutes of new material from Winterhorde. Back with a new lineup, the band have crafted a record that is an impressive proposition.

Winterhorde’s brand of extreme metal is a progressive form of melodic black and death metal. It revels in luscious detailing, symphonic scope, aggressive metallic force, and clean vocals that provide ample hooks.

The music is highly engaging, and layered with depth and texture. Winterhorde’s music is dramatic and has a rich personality, allowing them to bring their material to life with vivid intensity. Colourful and melodic, while retaining a heavy core, this is grandiose metal that still has teeth.

With intricate arrangements and compelling performances, Neptunian is a cut above the norm. The songs are majestic and full of character, and each one is well-written and delivered. A key part of the Winterhorde sound is their use of orchestral elements and other typically non-metal instruments, such as trumpets. These are very well-rendered and sound quite epic. Replete with choirs and chants in key places, they enrich the music with cinematic presence and an impressive sense of self.

The dual vocals of the two singers work well together, delivering blackened screams and gruff roars alongside soaring clean singing. Two songs feature the guest vocalists from Orphaned Land and Subterranean Masquerade, both of which make good use of their charismatic voices to bolster Winterhorde’s own.

Neptunian is a very strong and enjoyable record. It has a wealth of feeling and content to explore, and is a well-rounded album that simply demands the listener’s attention. The return of Winterhorde is to be celebrated, and this is a damn fine listen for anyone into characterful and expressive extreme metal.

If you enjoy the music of acts such as Wilderun, Disillusion, Ne Obliviscaris, Septicflesh, Ihsahn, In the Woods…, and Countless Skies, then you should definitely check this out.