WINTER „Fire Rider”

Wintergothic Records & Bob-Media Distribution, 2022

Music: Gothic Rock / AOR
Website:
https://www.facebook.com/WINTERpalehorse
Duration: 1:18:01 (16 tracks)
Country: Germany

Markus Winter, the main driving force of project WINTER, once again proves that he lives with music and soon after the release of his last material “Looking Back”, which is a compilation of newly mixed tracks from several years, in 2022 he will release his next full album “Fire Rider “. Let me remind you that the previous album “Pale Horse” was released in 2021.

The music of the newest album oscillates around the same regions, namely AOR and Classical and Gothic Rock with numerous influences from other musical regions, such as elements of Progressive Rock, para-symphonic-operatic themes, and even a little episodes of Electronic Music or melodies of saxophone. Although it would be easy to say that “Fire Rider” is a dynamic rock “riffing” with melodic vocals… very melodic and atmospheric… but also quite energetic playing. In addition, there are quite fast and heavier moments, even typical for Punk or Metal, but there are also ballad themes.

And as with previous WINTER materials, each track is distinctive in itself, it has a leitmotif, a catchy theme or melody, often in Pop Rock or Pop climates, typical of the 80s. This is proof that Marcus has head with lots of ideas for his music. And he not only is a very good singer, which can sing gently and softly, but he also can sing more aggressively, hoarsely or just scream or even growl. He is also a good guitarist, it can be heard in his solos… which are atmospheric, sometimes quite in style of Progressive Rock. But most of all, he is a very good composer, using the vocal and instrumental potentials of other musicians. Various vocal colors are used in the songs, both male and female, which interestingly emphasizes the contrast of their sounds.

The album contains 16 tracks! Some of them may seem very classic in their structure or atmosphere, for example there are tracks typical for 80s Rock, or very Gothic Roc… slightly dark, slightly melancholic, specifically dynamic and rhythmic. Some Gothic themes are reminiscent of THE SISTERS OF MERCY. There are also such pieces, ideally suited for radio hits, very catchy and energetically positive with an easily catchy melody. However, I have the impression that the attitude of listeners to WINTER’s music may be ambivalent. Some songs captivate and touche… You want to listen to the song and come back to the music. However, there are also some songs that can be a little boring due to their constant dynamics and development. As if they lack this loftiness or some deeper development of the musical theme.

The album includes a cover of THE SISTERS OF MERCY “Under The Gun”, which additionally confirmed the gothic inclinations. And of course, as always, there were guests, and this time they was Aliz Aj, Florian Gray and Angelina Delcarmen who sang or played some themes with Marcus.

Tracklist:
01. Unholy Blood
02. Fire Rider
03. That Much Is True
04. Child Of The 80s
05. Pray
06. Under The Gun
07. Lost In The Ice
08. Rough Love
09. Violent Dream
10. Into The Void
11. You’ve Been On My Mind
12. Can’t Hold Back The Tears
13. Never Again
14. I Want It Black
15. When All Is Said And Done
16. Run Away From Pain

Line-up:
Markus Winter – vocals & guitar, bass, synthesizer, programming
Hugo Ribeiro – drums
Michael Donner – synthesizer & keyboards
Nera Mamic – backing vocals

Rate: 8.0/10