Review by Michael on May 28, 2023.

Frozen Soul has been a polarizing band since their 2021 debut album Crypt Of Ice. The reviews of the album alone, which range from 0% to 95% at metal-archives, make this clear. How does it look now with the second album Glacial Domination?

First, purely superficially and on the first listen, I get the impression that musically not much has changed. In the meantime, however, I have heard the album at least 20 times and also checked the debut again and I must attest to the Texans that they could develop again significantly. They are much more melodic on the 14 songs. In particular, the guitar solos are much more melodic and no longer remind of early works of the great role models Bolt Thrower, but rather of "The IVth Crusade", where the British have also let flow more melodies into their compositions than before. This does not mean that Frozen Soul are less aggressive, no, they are just more imaginative and varied. A steamroller like 'Arsenal Of War' still flattens everything and shows only a few melodies, but it's the little things like in the opener 'Invisible Tormentor' that make the album even a tad better than its predecessor. 'Best Served Cold' is perhaps the best example to identify the Englishmen from Birmingham as the main influence. The song sounds like a logical continuation of "World Eater" and builds up a lot of pressure. Here, high tempo is played almost continuously, but it becomes interesting especially when the band takes out the tempo completely for a short time, only to let it pick up again.

But one moves no longer only in the haze of Bolt Throwers, but also peeks over to Scandinavia. On the title track, death metal is indulged in a very melodic and Swedish way, which is a very welcome change for me. Likewise, the self-titled song 'Frozen Soul' is more of a melodic mid-tempo stomper that starts with a cool "Stranger Things-like" sample and includes a cool bridge part. This one is perhaps one of the best songs on the album. By the way, John Gallagher (Dying Fetus) and Matthew Heafy (Trivium) have provided active support for the album, contributing to some songs.

Overall, it can be said that Frozen Soul have made another step in their development with Glacial Domination and with this album they might get more recognition than with their debut (which I rated with 9.3 points). I'm already looking forward to the European tour, which will see them perform in my hometown as well - I'll definitely be there!

Rating: 9.5 out of 10 glaciers