Band: Svart Vinter
Album: Isvind
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Country: Italy
Label: Non Serviam Records
Released: May 30th 2025
Introduction
Svart Vinter is an Italian black metal band, that released their second album, Isvind on the 30th of May. I haven’t heard their previous album, Mist, so this band is new to my ears. But that matters not, I try to give every album I listen to the same change as my favorite black metal albums. So after a quite a few listening sessions, let’s dive in…
Isvind
- Torment
- Frozen Tomb
- Isvind
- Ritual
- Abyss
- Where the Shadows Lie
- My Last Winter
- Of Cold and Grief
- Beneath the Night’s Cold Gaze
To be fair, Isvind by Svart Vinter didn’t win me over instantly—but after a few full listens, it proved itself. The album opens in a slower, more cautious way, which made me wonder at first if it would stand out in today’s flood of black metal. But it grew on me quickly. The more I listened, the more I appreciated its cold atmosphere, sharp riffing, and classic ‘90s feel.
The vocals—delivered by Andrea Maggioni—are precisely the kind I like. They sound like an icy wind, raw and emotional without being overdone. Combined with the pummeling drums and biting guitar tone, it creates a harsh mood but focused. The fourth track, “Ritual,” is one of the tracks that stood out the most for me. If a new listening would be able to just listen to one song to get an idea of the band, this song would be my choice. It’s a perfect example of the sound this album aims for—fast, cold, and straight to the point.
The band doesn’t try to change the genre or mix things up with Isvind, and it’s not here to reinvent anything, and that’s not necessary. It just delivers a style of black metal that’s been done many times, but that I still enjoy. If you’re looking for something new or experimental, this album probably isn’t for you. But if you value that frozen, 90s-inspired, no-frills approach—this one will suit you just fine.
The artwork deserves special mention. I’m more a fan of covers like this—simple, cold, and mystical. It gives off Battles in the North vibe, not the album artwork by Immortal, but the song itself. It’s a beautiful landscape, and it feels just cold and a sense of loneliness. That style connects well with the music and strengthens the album.
In this day, where a lot of black metal albums are released or a monthly/yearly basis, it’s hard for any record to stick around. But Isvind earned a spot in my rotation. It won’t be leaving anytime soon.
Conclusion
I can’t judge Svart Vinter’s previous work Mist because I haven’t listened to that, but this album hits the mark for me, is it the best album this year? Probably not, does it give me flashbacks to the 90s, yes it does. And to be fair, that’s all it needs to do for me, it needs to connect with me, and that it did. For those that love no nonsense black metal, give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.
BMZ Rating: 7,5 – Good: A solid and enjoyable album overall. It boasts strong songwriting and performance quality, delivering a cohesive and satisfying listen.
Your thoughts on Isvind by Svart Vinter
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