REVIEW: COLD EMPIRE – From the Ashes of the Empire

 

COLD EMPIRE – From the Ashes of the Empire

Naturmacht Productions

The older I get, the more I find myself drawn toward black metal’s stark landscapes. For many listeners the trajectory goes the opposite way, yet when releases like COLD EMPIRE’s From the Ashes of the Empire cross your path, the shift feels less like a change in taste and more like a natural evolution.

COLD EMPIRE, a two‑piece black metal act from Italy, craft a sound that defies geographical expectations. Had I not looked them up beforehand, I would have placed them somewhere in Scandinavia. Their approach is cold, epic, and unrelentingly dark—rooted firmly in the classic black metal tradition. The band avoids keyboards and unnecessary embellishments, relying instead on sharp riffing, raw atmosphere, and a sense of frozen grandeur.

From the Ashes of the Empire stands out as a compelling and memorable work. The songs move with purpose, carrying a blackened aura that is both immersive and immediate. It’s a release that captures the essence of traditional black metal without feeling derivative, channeling a chilling atmosphere that pulls the listener into its bleak domain.

In COLD EMPIRE’s world, black metal reigns supreme—and this album makes a strong case for why.

Christine  Parastatidou