Katarzyna NINa Górnisiewicz | Detailed or mini-review submissions: song, EP/album | Suggest an artist

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Frostbite - My Darkest Dream (song review) |self-released, Valentine and Other Stories of Hope, 2011|

Frostbite is the solo project of an American artist named Christopher Lee Compton who has been gathering musical experience over the last twenty years to create atmospheric, gothic metal compositions.

The song "My Darkest Dream" is built upon two different, however still matching parts. The first is defined by a dynamic composition with heavy guitar riffs recorded in styles best known from metal music. A vibrating guitar sound is slightly improved upon with a sampler that gives it a little industrial music flavor as well. This track goes straight-forward along with thrilling bass lines similar to those heard on the Violent New Breed album by Shotgun Messiah. Christopher's vocals are significant and brooding, yet harsh and metallic and could be held in comparison to Douglas McCarthy's voice (Nitzer Ebb) in some spots. Though, they don't overpower the composition, they seem to appear in the most suitable moments.

The first part finishes with a cool drum beat after 3 minutes 28 seconds of the song, however the main elements such as the guitar riffs and high, protracted vocals remain in the background. This transformation sounds smooth thanks to such a theoretical solution. The new bass line and drumbeats align to slow down the rhythm until the vocals fade out. This technique makes "My Darkest Dream" sound goth-like and melancholic, yet sublime in moods.
The newly created atmospheres draw the listeners attention by seeming to emulate condemned vibes best known from music by The Nephilim. Background vocals join with the drums while the guitar accompanies the harmony in a higher octave. There are noticeably more cymbals being used in the progression rather than in previous drumbeats as Christopher's voice turns on once more in haunting, tearing tones.
The song ends up with a sense of tact which perfectly fits this kind of composition. The intro sequence of "My Darkest Dream" however never returns throughout the song.

There are no addling melodies in "My Darkest Dream" which is currently popular for many metal bands to massively and unnecessarily smuggle into their songs. Frostbite relied on building atmospheres and tension which sustain the listener's interest to the very end. The project founder admits there are bands like Charon and Poisonblack amongst his inspirations, but also that bands such as The Sisters of Mercy have been just as significant of an influence for the progress of gothic music as The Beatles were for rock.

“My Darkest Dream” was released on the album Valentine and Other Stories of Hope in 2011, which is available to purchase on most of the major on-line stores.
(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Magazine, March 20th, 2012)

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