Review by Adam M on May 29, 2011.

This is an incredibly interesting album that has moments of crushing Doom combined with ones of Post-Rock splendour. It’s an album that is atmospherically powerful and has a slow pace, but captivatingly huge guitar riffs. The band manages to craft a haunting mood using very minimal musical moods and elements. Not being overly familiar with Funeral Doom, I liken this band to a combination of Atmospheric like Neurosis with Doom such as My Dying Bride.

Each song has its own unique musical style, although there is definitely a thread of Doom throughout. While some tracks, such as the opener 'A Vision From Hlidskjalf' are firmly entrenched in the Doom aesthetic, others like the acoustic 'In the Ashes' present something different. The biggest standout is the slowly building-up 'Sweltering', but other tracks like 'A Gaze At The Stars' have a manner of keeping you entranced as well. The low point on the album was the more Drone-driven 'On The Shoulders Of The Gods'. Seeing as the music here is very experimental, it can be expected to have highs and lows. There are certainly moments that drag here, but they are offset by an even greater number of mesmerizing ones. Instrumentally, the musicians all do a great job, with commanding guitars complemented by nimble drumming. Vocals are powerful, but unspectacular.

The emotional impact of the songs wins out over the thought that the songs could sound overly wandering, with the small exception being the beginning of the second track. They have enough exquisite moments to keep the listener enraptured for a large quantity of the running length. "For Winter Fire" will appeal to fans of Doom Metal and post metal in equal measures.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 6.5
Originality: 8.5
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.3 out of 10