Istapp – Frostbiten

[schema type=”review” name=”Istapp – Frostbiten” description=”Record Label: Trollzorn Records” author=”Basak Günel” pubdate=”2015-08-07″ ]

Istapp is a black metal band from Sweden. Founded in 2005, the band has gone through a massive line-up change in the past years and had a comeback recently with a record label change and a brand new album called “Frostbiten”.

The album definitely marks the comeback of the band. Throughout the record, we experience a perfect harmony of the old black metal era with the harsh,melodic and modern Istapp sound! Especially in the first half of the album, the drumming and those BM riffs are perfectly combined with that harsh and passionate vocals as well as the melodies in the background, which forms the essence of the record. Another awesome aspect in the record is the overall atmosphere. The record is not doom-y but there is especially something in those harsh vocals which represent the band’s name; Istapp means icicle and those harsh vocals reminded me of cold winters! Apart from this, I loved the fact that the band also included clean vocals in some songs like “Frostbiten” and “Primum Frigidum”; that really topped it all for me and made me fall in love with the record more!

Soundwise, the production is clean; the listener will be able to hear each instrument in the songs. With this record, I think Istapp definitely improved their sound and showed us that they are back and they will keep the BM spirit living! So what are you guys waiting for? If you are craving for some melodic black metal, go get the record! I am sure you will love it! My personal favorites are “Frostbiten”, “Primum Frigidum” and “Fimbulvinter”.

Line up:
Isar – vocals
Fjalar – all instruments and clean vocals

Tracklist: 01. Apep 02. Frostbiten 03. Kall(elsen) 04. Skoll 05. Primum Frigidum 06. Polcirkelns Herre 07. Fimbulvinter 08. Må Det Aldrig Töa 09. Vinterland 10. Vit Makt

Links:
Istapp Facebook
Istapp Official