Demo
[Self Released]

Now here's a band I can really sink my teeth into. Frozen (not to be confused with fellow Canadians Frozen Shadows) is a black/death/thrash outfit with some progressive leanings that relies solely on the guitar/bass/drum/vocal format. No keyboards are used (save for a very brief intro), as are no clean vocals. There is an unmistakeable old school vibe here that I always enjoy to see newer bands go for.

Overall, thrash is the backbone for most of the riffs and drum figures. There is a lot of black metal influence in the vocals (although some good 'ol death growls are used now and then), some of the guitar figures, and in the general feeling of the music. The way the songs are written give a sort of epic feel throughout the CD, with plenty of twists and turns to keep any listener on the edge of his or her seat. Frozen are solid musicians, and session bassist Kim Gosselin is particularly impressive.

While the songs are fairly well written, I have to say that Frozen could definitely use a more accomplished producer. The band has some great rifs, but they seem to want to put them all into every second of every song. Variety is good, but the songs need to breathe a little more. A veteran producer could step in and help the band edit these tunes, cleaning up the arrangements, and making one hell of a record. The riffs are there, they just need some adjustment. The sound is somewhat muddy, with the vocals buried way too deep in the mix (and buried in effects). The drums are a bit clunky sounding, with a distant bass drum sound. The guitars sound quite good, though, especially on the clean intro to "Decaying Soul".

Even through a somewhat primitive production (by today's standards), I can see that Frozen definitely is on the right track with some great riffs, solid musicianship, and a well-rounded style. I hope a label takes note of them and gives them the sonic makeover they deserve.