Despondent Chants formed in 2002 in Peru, quietly crafted their sound, releasing two demos: Despondent Chants in 2004 and The Lingering Silence in 2010. Despite their low profile, it wasn't until 2018 that their first full-length album, The Eyes of Winter, emerged through the label Thrashirts. In 2023, the album was reissued by the German label Fetzner Death Records, including an exclusive bonus track that further enhances the listening experience of this already impressive opus.
A Deeply Immersive Soundscape
The Eyes of Winter spans 1 hour and 4 minutes, delivering long, immersive tracks that allow the band to fully develop their musical structure. Each track, with its distinct rhythm, takes the listener on a melancholic and introspective sonic journey. What sets this album apart is its ability to blend the elements of Doom/Death Metal with a noticeable heavy metal influence, making each composition not only melodic but also deeply atmospheric.
The album creates a heavy atmosphere, infused with feelings of solitude and rejection. The guitars occasionally relax to offer serene passages before the dominant rhythm takes over again, as heard in the opening track Unprotected Hearts. Some tracks, like Lama Sabachtani, start with a frenetic pace before slowing down, adding a complex nuance to the musical structure. The guitar solos are brilliantly executed, offering undeniable heavy pleasure.
The vocals are another highlight of the album, with powerful growls that resonate like a fury expressing deep rejection, especially on tracks like An Olden Sea Of Prayers. The vocals are also nuanced, combining clean singing with growls to create a new musical dimension, as in Atonement and Sancta Sanctorum. These vocal variations add extra richness to the overall structure of The Eyes of Winter.
Standout Tracks
Among the standout tracks on this album, Tide of Suffering shines particularly bright. Evolving to a climax over its 7 minutes and 42 seconds, this track synthesizes all the elements found throughout the album, both instrumentally and vocally, offering an explosion of emotions. Nebulae, with its meticulously crafted composition and heart-wrenching vocals, perfectly represents the spirit of the album, confirming the band's mastery in creating a poignant and immersive atmosphere.
The Eyes of Winter is not just an album; it’s a profound sonic experience that skillfully blends genres and emotions. The 2023 reissue by Fetzner Death Records gives fans the opportunity to rediscover this masterful work with a bonus track that further enriches the experience. For fans of Doom/Death Metal, this album is a must-have in their collection.