Red Vinter - Lumbering Menace

 My Review on Red Vinter - Lumbering Menace

Release: 11.07.2025
Label    : Independent / Self- Release
Origin   : St.Paul Minnesota , USA
Genre   : Doom / Death Metal
Rating   : At the end


Intro :
Reed Vinter is a doom/death metal band from St. Paul, Minnesota, formed in 2023 by vocalist/bassist Mike Bullock and drummer James Achilles. Joined by guitarists James LeBrasseur and Dylan Jones, the band creates a sound that’s slow, crushing, and atmospheric — drawing influence from acts like Monolord, Obituary, and Godflesh. Their name means “Red Winter,” evoking themes of war, apocalypse, and Nordic darkness. Rather than chasing speed or technicality, Red Vinter aims to “crush the listener slowly.” After a strong demo and EP, they released their debut full-length Lumbering Menace in July 2025.

My Review : 

Minnesota-based Red Vinter delivers a debut full of darkness, weight, and apocalyptic atmosphere with Lumbering Menace. True to its title, the album moves like a slow, crushing force—driven by downtuned riffs and guttural vocals rooted in the doom/death tradition.

The band shines most when they combine atmosphere with structure. "Blood in the Frost" clearly stands out, with a longer instrumental intro, increased tempo, and a more dynamic build. "Escape Velocity" also shows promise, using a cinematic voice sample, solos, and a layered arrangement to create a compelling final statement. Production-wise, the album is solid throughout—especially the drums and growls, which bring weight and precision. When Red Vinter hits their stride, the result is heavy, hypnotic, and memorable.

That said, many tracks suffer from the same core issue: repetition. Several songs start strong but lack the variation needed to stay engaging. The use of clean vocals—though ambitious—falls flat and doesn’t add much to the overall impact. The band has a clear identity and vision, but they don’t always manage to bring it fully to life.

Lumbering Menace is a debut full of potential, with moments that truly impress. But it’s held back by monotony and vocal missteps. Red Vinter has the raw tools and the right instincts—they just need to push further and refine the contrasts in their sound to truly rise bove the pack.

Rating : 6.5/10



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