Vidsyn is a Norwegian one-man band which was founded in 1999 by Nattsjel. Over the years he had many session- and full-time members in the line-up but nowadays it is a one-man band again, using different session-members to record the demo and EP. And the session-members which Nattsjel had asked to join on this recording are not the least. What about Darkthrone’s Nocturno and Culto Assar (a.o. Jernbyrde) on vocals, and Helhammer (a.o. Mayhem) on drums.
But to be honest, it’s not the “big” names what is impressive here, it all is about the music. And it is the music what makes this EP so outstanding. ‘On Frostbitten Path Beneath’ contains traditional Norwegian underground Black Metal, though with a descent sound. And what makes this EP so good are the melody lines which are made by the guitars only. No keyboards are used to set in the right mood. When listening to these five tracks I get visions from snow-filled landscapes and mountain slopes, frozen lakes and glaciers….the beauty of winter. If you have been in the Norwegian forests and mountain sites during the winter time you will know what I mean.
Immortal had that characteristic frosty touch and with Vidsyn it’s about the same here. And also the guitars are a bit like Immortal and maybe even a bit like Satyricon on their ‘The Shadowthrone’ album. Cold and grim Norwegian Black Metal. Like I already mentioned before, it’s the guitars that give each track that melodic recognizable touch like aforementioned bands also are/were able to produce.
Furthermore the package is worth mentioning. The great looking painted cover reflects the icy frostbitten music perfectly and the lay-out from the booklet looks very good as well. So all in all really worth your last money.
This year I have heard quite some high quality releases but ‘On Frostbitten Path Beneath’ is my personal favourite. Each song definately stands on its own with its well balanced combination of aggression and melody. Vidsyn, a great band! ‘On Frostbitten Path Beneath’ an excellent EP!
