There’s no question that Winterfylleth has made a big splash in metal in the last seven years, mainly the underground. Terrorizer Magazine naming the band’s sophomore album, The Mercian Sphereone, one of the top 20 of 2010, and their third album, The Threnody of Triumph, one of 2012’s best according to Kerrang. No doubt Winterfylleth have a lot going for them, and with the upcoming release of The Divination of Antiquity, there was an overwhelming anxious feeling that flooded my surroundings once the play button was finally pressed.

Everything begins extremely strong with the self-titled album track. Brilliant and powerful guitar chords light up the atmosphere in a grand fashion. Majestic black metal is what comprises a lot of this piece, which contains some energetic and intelligent sounding riffs that stay consistent throughout. Whisper of the Elements takes the music to more beautiful elements, taking a break from the distortion, implementing acoustic guitars half-way that has an overabundance of beauty.

A Careworn Heart is the possible masterpiece found on The Divination of Antiquity. A slow and somber beginning it has with gorgeously crafted acoustic guitars alongside monk style vocals. Once the thunder of the drums and the guitar chords rip through, it remains as potent as the start. The guitar lead later on in the song may sound a bit too simple for some, but it works perfectly and holds a firm and strong place within the track.

As much as I liked the first half of this album, I came to like the second half a hell of a lot more to my surprise. To start the second half, Foundations of Ash begins way more menacingly than the previous songs. The initial explosion of the blast beating and the dark sounding guitar riffs really takes this song through more wicked sounding paths. The song becomes more uplifting as it comes to a close, sounding what I can only describe as a black metal march.

The Divination of Antiquity is another rock-solid release and has many impactful moments worth visiting way more than once. I would be surprised if Winterfylleth’s newest record did not make it into any top 10 lists by the end of 2014. It’s one of those albums you come across that’s truly hard to put down and becomes increasingly better with every listen.