Frozen Ocean |Askdrömmar |Apocalyptic Witchcraft

Release Date February 13^th, 2026
Format CD/Cassette/Digital
Genre Depressive Rock, Atmospheric Black Metal
Country Russia

Vaarwel is the maniac behind Frozen Ocean, and he has been churning out strange musical trips for over twenty years now. He has taken us everywhere from the cold void of deep space to the fantasy worlds of Tove Jansson and through the sagas of Norse mythology. The guy has a massive catalog, and he usually handles everything himself, vocals, guitars, bass, keys, the works. With "Askdrömmar", he is back, but this time he is leaving the cosmos and the forests behind to drag us kicking and screaming into the filthy, neon-lit belly of the city. It is a concept album inspired by the writings of John Ajvide Lindqvist, focusing on the urban sprawl as a hungry, living entity.

The first thing that hits you when you spin this album is a serious Master's Hammer vibe, and I mean that as a massive compliment. It has that same eccentric, cult black metal aura where the grimness meets a weird, almost theatrical catchiness. It isn't just standard depressive black metal, it has character and swagger. The way Vaarwel uses keys alongside the rasping vocals creates a specific, twisted atmosphere that reminds me of those Czech legends at their peak. It is quirky, dark, and heavy all at once. The music doesn't just sit there, it marches forward with a distinct personality that separates it from the hordes of bands copying the same old suicidal formulas.

Musically, "Askdrömmar" blends depressive rock with atmospheric black metal in a way that actually keeps your attention. The tracks are catchy, driven by strong melodies and a gothic doom undertone that works perfectly with the urban nightmare theme. The choice to write the lyrics entirely in Swedish, tipping the hat to bands like Lifelover, adds a layer of cold alienation to the whole package. You don't need to speak the language to get the point; Vaarwel's voice communicates the dread of wandering through empty streets at 3 AM perfectly. The production lets the instruments breathe without killing the raw emotion, and the keyboards, in particular, do a great job of painting those flickering streetlights against the darkness.

This album holds together incredibly well as a complete listen. It pulls you down the "moon road" and through the labyrinth of the city without any dull moments. The gothic touches and the driving rhythms make sure you are headbanging just as much as you are soaking in the gloom. It is hypnotic stuff. Vaarwel has really stepped up his game here, delivering what is easily the strongest Frozen Ocean release I have heard in a long time. It is dark, it is catchy, and it has enough attitude to stand tall in a crowded genre.

Score: 8.0

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