Winterhorde is a progressive death metal band formed in 1999 and whose previous album "Underwatermoon" was already released in 2010. After a deep line-up change and the departure of five of the seven founding members, the Israeli septet finally offers us its fifth opus. "Maestro" is a concept album. The story takes place in Prague, at the end of the seventies. A schizophrenic violinist tries to prove to the world that he is a genius composer. But his obsession to win back his lost love and the voices inside his head will gradually push him into madness.
I might as well say it right away, "Maestro" is a masterful work. As soon as the track 'Antipath' starts, the listener is caught by the sound of a moving Yiddish violin before the sharp guitars of a melodic and powerful death metal come out, where furious blast beats support the voices of the two Winterhorde's singers, one clear and almost lyrical and the other growl. This duality in the vocals perfectly illustrates the psychological chaos of the main character and lets the influence of the greatest of death and black metal such as Opeth and Emperor shine through, while remaining constantly at the service of the story.
"Maestro" is a progressive, symphonic and theatrical musical journey of great richness and incredible intensity, in which shadow and light, brutality and tenderness, electric and acoustic guitars, guttural and clear vocals ('Worms of Soul', 'They Came With Eyes Of Fire') clash at every moment. The album also contains its share of surprises such as a lyrical female voice (the magnificent 'The Heart Of Coryphee'), the splendid saxophone of 'Cold' and the ultimate track 'Dancing In Flames' which is nothing less than a three-beat metal waltz ending on a tearing feedback, tinnitus in the brain of the fiddler with a wavering mind.
The talent of the musicians shines through on each track without overdoing it, the only goal being to create the best possible alchemy between all the instruments. The inspired guitar and bass solos, very technical and yet always extremely melodic, are proof of this.
Almost cinematic in its construction, this musical exploration of dementia is haunting, haunting and darkly beautiful. Winterhorde touches by its fervor, its creativity and its art to make harmony and chaos cohabit. Entering the rich and magical world of "Maestro" is an intense, unforgettable and timeless experience for those who seek talent and originality in music. A masterpiece!