Years ago I received AUGRIMMER's demo to review, unfortunately it arrived snapped in half. As a result, I had a listen to what was floating about on the interweb, and liked what I heard, but ultimately wasn't exactly gutted that all I had in me mitts was a plastic smile and a plastic frown. Roll on to 2009 and “From The Lone Winters Cold,” would I be so nonchalant if this had turned up in two pieces? Well fuck my old boots, most certainly not!

What we have here is a sterling example of no nonsense Black Metal delivered in earnest that is veined with progressive elements that add a whole other aspect to AUGRIMMER's sound and the result is definitely worth kicking through the crowd to get to. The rhythmic side of the guitar froths with effusive vigour, an Alka Seltzer and amphetamine barrage that scours along with confidence, there's also a hint of acid in the air but not to the extent that your nostrils will singe, though it may well make your eyes water a bit. In effect this tumble of guitar is highly engaging, the riffs snag like velcro, they'll etch themselves onto your memory swift enough. Galloping alongside, tongue lolling, is a bubbling bass that bounds along lending some straight faced groove to the proceedings, it's like a hound on the hunt, full of infectious energy.

Where AUGRIMMER vault above their contemporaries is in the use of Rock influences that slip the post and whilst intrinsically being in contrast, actually form a symbiotic relationship with the Black Metal bruising. Using “At Winterdawn” as a case in point, the driving force that catapults itself from out of the gently picked beginning soon finds itself mellowing due to the influence of a dulcet suggestion that progressive threads are woven into the fabric of this album. The artistry though, is in the judicious use of this device, it's used sparingly ensuring that when it does manifest, it's something a little bit special and in keeping with the contagious cacophony elsewhere, it burrows itself under the skin like a tumbu fly maggot and lodges itself for the duration. Expect then blazing strikes of light as lead guitar spits out laser beam brilliance against the dark sky of the prevailing Black, note too the occasional ripple of silver as well as the swirling purples of spilt oil, it all adds a touch of intrigue and a distinct desire to listen all over again.

Whilst “From The Lone Winters Cold” tends to run along at a rollicking rate, it would be wrong to say it is always fleet on its feet, there is an easy balance of tempos. For those that wish for rush, AUGRIMMER oblige with surges of speed, nothing over the top and for those of you unfit gits that need to catch your breath, there are plenty of slower but equally emphatic sections that still possess the necessary punch. The drums have ample opportunity to demonstrate how adept they are, what ever the pace, there's an insistent bass kick throughout that is happy to hammer but is also content to wait for the moment, the rest of the kit has a degree of muffle but persuades nonetheless. Vocals are a cold snarl, there are no hysterics just a contemptuous disdain that complements the chill of the rest of the instrumentation (other than the firebrands in the night that come courtesy of those lead strikes.)

This album has been a pleasant surprise, highly involving and more than capable of raising the pulse rate. The melding of progressive elements with driving Black Metal causes a tingling in the Extremity. With “From The Lone Winters Cold” AUGRIMMER have given some of the heavyweights something to chew on, some of them may well choke on it.

(Online October 26, 2009)