Review by Anna on May 27, 2011.

"Trial By Ice" is a compilation of material by the US Black Metal band Cold Northern Vengeance between the years 2001 and 2010. One thing that remains consistent throughout this material is the feel-good lo-fi, fuzzy sound. There are some lovely tones all throughout the album, and a lot of very interesting and beautiful parts. However these parts take turns with boring phases where the band seems to play according to a restrictive and overdone "Black Metal" formula.
At one point I was thinking of writing this compilation off as a mediocre until I got to track four, '...And Death', where they re-convinced me that there surely exists the depth they hinted at during certain moments on previous tracks. This song captures the potent emotion and spiritual ecstasy that lie somewhere within, in a pure, unconventional form. So why restrict and define oneself within the constraints of genre? This is truly, truly a pity in my eyes.
If I were to meet my Creator before my time I would surely choose a song such as this upon my exit. This high-point of the compilation is followed by the same back and forth- enchanting, average, and boring, with bits of cheesy thrown in.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 6.9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 6
Originality: 6.9
Overall: 7

Rating: 7.2 out of 10