Ice Upon the Night cover

Ice Upon the Night

Immortal Souls · 2003

40 min · 9 tracks · melodic death metal

A chilling blend of melodic death metal laced with frostbitten atmospheres and hauntingly melancholic melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Everwinter — The opening track sets a cold and immersive tone with its ethereal melodies intertwined with aggressive riffs, establishing the album's thematic core.
  • →
    Painbearer — This song stands out for its dynamic shifts between serene passages and explosive choruses, showcasing the band's ability to balance melody and aggression effectively.
  • →
    Man of Sorrow — Closing the album, this track delivers an emotional weight that encapsulates the lyrical themes of despair and longing, making it a poignant finale.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends melodic elements with harshness, creating an immersive experience while maintaining a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced track that features intricate guitar melodies layered over blast beats, establishing a cold atmosphere.
  • Several tracks incorporate clean vocals alongside harsh growls, creating a contrast that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The last three tracks slow down significantly, using atmospheric interludes and extended instrumental sections to evoke a sense of desolation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Everwinter 3:36
  • 2 Welcome to North 3:58
  • 3 Sacrifice 3:31
  • 4 Painbearer 4:27
  • 5 Edge of the Frost 5:09
  • 6 Cold Streets 4:05
  • 7 You 4:24
  • 8 Suicidalive 4:17
  • 9 Man of Sorrow 6:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata