Review by Jeger on June 27, 2025.

Sweden's Vinterland - one of the '90's No Fashion Black Metal era's predominant players, but not for long. They erupted onto the scene with a couple of promising demos and then in 1996, Vinterland released their debut LP, "Welcome My Last Chapter", to the great enthusiasm of followers and critics alike. A volume of Nature's frigid bounty and of Night's enchanting embrace done the Swedish Melodic Black Metal way; a la Dissection, Sacramentum and Gates of Ishtar. Would be Sages of the scene were Vinterland until their untimely disappearance. Vinterland has not released a single record following their debut. How would they even follow up such a remarkable album? A Black Metal record that's as epic as it is soulful and as graceful as it is majestic. "Welcome My Last Chapter" would ironically stand as Vinterland's own final chapter…

"Welcome My Last Chapter" sees Vinterland finely tight roping the border that divides Melodic and Atmospheric Black Metal. Its atmosphere is like an ethereal mist over bold, melodic passages that are also offset by thunderous concussions and intense vocals. A double-folded recording where Vinterland pushes the limits while remaining grounded by the copper of genre trueness. There was no other way to do it back then during the blossoming of the Second Wave. With the opening track, "Our Dawn Of Glory", Vinterland approaches the gateways with galloping momentum into the sphere of intoxicating melody, racing rhythms and power bass lines; all wisely segmented in a way to where all phases are united, yet softly outlined all the same.

Behold the arrival of the Harbinger upon this star-born night: the sound of galloping hooves upon loose gravel of the road to horizons anew. "So Far Beyond (The Great Vast Forest)" is a visual instrumental interlude that conjures images of Wolves baying the moon, of galloping the woodland and of the lonesome Vampyre as he stalks his darkly haunts. An epic in "A Castle So Crystal Clear" follows. Not epic in length but in substance. This track does feel lengthier than it actually is, and that's due to its slower progression. Taking their time are Vinterland until you're about 1/3 into the cut and an exciting rush of dashing riffs and blast-beats unfold.

Not one weak track… Not a single hiccup or faux pa to be found. "Welcome My Last Chapter" is one of THE great second wave of BM albums: criminally overlooked and foolishly underestimated. Let us prepare now! Let us strike up the candles and let us sojourn here in the grip of musical perfection. Or perhaps shall we mount our steeds and take to the forests! Either way, the night awaits, the Castle looms and winter's icy breeze gales. Let there be no hesitation! Just jump in head first like the blade as it plunges through flesh. You're going to adore this one. I guarantee it.

Rating: 10 out of 10