Baltic hard rock act Amber Creek have been releasing some singles as well as a 2020 EP in their catalog, but 9 Months of Winter marks the first full-length from this group. What makes for some attention here at DR is that they manage to capture a distinctive melancholy to them amongst it all. Despite the clean vocals, there’s a certain almost doom-y feel to some of the songs that fans of heavier music will certainly appreciate and be drawn to, not to mention the emphasis on instrumentation.
Heavy riffing leads the way on the songs of 9 Months of Winter, but it’s embellished by notable melodic hooks and atmospheric feelings. There’s almost a coldness to the music at times, as you listen to a track like “I Will Not Bow.” Despite Anna Pimenova’s soaring yet emotive vocal range, the music behind her hits a more haunting vibe as the song moves between heavy riffs and somber melodic tones. “Scarlet Heart” opens with some emotive melodic guitar lines before rolling into a gentle verse, before escalating the music up to more driving tempos led by Pimenova’s vocals. The album’s most aggressive cut, “The World of War” offers gorgeous guitar melodies with more galloping tempos and crashing riffs, coupled with a more urgent approach from Pimenova. Recent single “Take On Me” showcases a more melodic side to the group, providing a balance with hypnotic atmospheric riffs contrasting moments of heavier grooves.
What works best for Amber Creek is that despite having a very strong vocal presence, it’s not something that it ultimately looked at to be the soul focus of the band. The moody atmosphere, the occasionally crunchy riffs, and the standout melodies all stand up and help to provide an impact that sticks with the listener. Pimenova has some excellent range and gives a fantastic vocal performance (see “Don’t Close Your Eyes” as a prime example), and it’s bolstered because of all of the musicianship that surrounds her.
Aiming to be an up-and-coming group within the hard rock scene, Amber Creek offers a musical trip that’s intense and beautiful. Add in some melancholic flavorings and it’s a combination that feels more unique – bridging atmosphere with intensity. As one who happened to find them through the gift of the YouTube algorithm, here’s to hoping that more people can do the same. 9 Months of Winter has a broad appeal for anyone seeking some raw, urgent music that also has a heavy emotional depth.