Imperial Crystalline Entombment - Apocalyptic End in White (2004)

Imperial Crystalline Entombment's, (aka I.C.E.) "Apocalyptic End in White," creates an entity and reality that could go toe to toe with our beloved Blashyrkh.  I.C.E. is a four piece black metal band from Maryland and includes members of Aurora Borealis and Nightsky Studios.  I gained some insight on the band from an oversight on adding an AOL E-Mail address to the album art back in 2004.  All members will remain nameless and known only under their monikers.  It should also be known I.C.E. is a no non-sense Black Metal band with great production value and is instrumentally void of flutes!  

Aesthetically what is not too enjoy about this album cover?  "Apocalyptic End in White," screams non-traditional, from it's color scheme too the band's attire, which all looks menacing and chilling.  From the start we might as well open up the booklet and start following the lyrics, because every single track is enthralling, I wish I could attribute the vocals too one of the four members of I.C.E., for his/her's mastery of lyrical cadence.

Behold Råvaskeith, the mythos which appears throughout, "Apocalyptic End in White," who appears to be the summoned and frosty lord of I.C.E.  The album takes us on a journey into his frozen world, awakening amongst a wintery storm, "Cryogenic Communion," sets the scene, and from it, voices... "We are fucking ICE!"  One song spills its icy lifeblood into the next, the lyrics are all damning.  Post invocation, there is a dialogue between Råvaskeith and I.C.E. which is the peak of this album's ferocity, the orator professes, "Yes my master possess me faster, I want to be the one," the reply, "Guide my demons, lead my legions, let my will be done!"  This arctic coven goes on to reveal it's allies and the allies of Råvaskeith, from Banshee Legions and Apocalyptic Blizzard Regimes to Glacial Lykanthropic Hordes, but the album's last honorable mention is the track entitled, "Cascade Cavern Catharsis."  This lil' ditty is the culmination of I.C.E.'s efforts in creating a dire world for their lord, the trem work is on point and the vocals are abrasive and abhorrent.  The ritual ends with the death of our rimy companions completing the summoning ritual so that a jollier Råvaskeith may seek his revenge on the world.

Conclusively this is a torrential beast of an album.  Currently there are no plans in hand for a second full-length I.C.E. album, until then we will just have to wait for our next icy extermination.  Until then... "Women, children, first!"