REVIEW: Before The Dawn - Cold Flare Eternal

Finnish melodic death metal veterans BEFORE THE DAWN return with Cold Flare Eternal, a record that not only reaffirms their status in the Nordic metal scene but also pushes their sound into heavier, more aggressive territory. Following 2023’s critically acclaimed Stormbringers, this album demonstrates a band at the peak of their creative power, blending melodic sophistication with raw, crushing intensity. From the first note of Initium to the final moments of Ad Infinitum, Cold Flare Eternal is an emotionally and sonically immersive journey through the depths of melodic death metal.

The album opens with Initium, a brief but atmospheric introduction that sets the stage for what’s to come. At just 1 minute and 25 seconds, it serves as a cold, cinematic prelude, hinting at the dark landscapes and intense emotions that will define the album. This sense of anticipation quickly gives way to Fatal Design, a track that immediately establishes the band’s signature balance of melody and aggression. Soaring guitars and pounding drums create a sense of grandeur, while TUOMAS SAUKKONEN'svocal delivery injects both menace and melancholy, embodying the tension between beauty and brutality that runs throughout the album.

s Above, So Below continues this trajectory, layering dramatic instrumentation and ghostly atmosphere over tight rhythmic structures. The song’s expansive arrangement demonstrates the band’s ability to maintain listener engagement through dynamic shifts, moving effortlessly from melodic passages to crushing, riff-driven intensity. In contrast, Mercury Blood delivers a concise, high-energy burst of metallic aggression. Clocking in at just over three minutes, it is packed with groove-laden riffs and relentless percussion, showcasing the heavier facet of the band’s sound while still retaining their melodic sensibility.

Stellar Effect represents one of the album’s more atmospheric moments, emphasizing haunting melodies and expansive soundscapes. Here, BEFORE THE DAWN reveal their emotional depth, crafting an immersive listening experience that balances melancholy and majesty. Following this, Flame Eternal and Stronghold highlight the band’s versatility. Both tracks combine melodic hooks with crushing heaviness, while the intricate layering of guitars and drums, honed at JUHO RÄIHÄ’s studio, adds depth and sophistication to the arrangements. These mid-album tracks illustrate the band’s mastery of pacing, alternating moments of tension and release with precision.

Destination stands out as a cinematic and emotionally charged composition. With its rising intensity and epic scope, it creates a sense of forward momentum that carries listeners into the album’s most explosive moment: Shockwave. The ninth track is the heaviest single BEFORE THE DAWN have ever released, combining thundering riffs, relentless drums, and fiery vocals. As the band themselves describe, it “contains the fire of a thousand suns and the weight of a dying star”. It is both a live show highlight and a statement of intent, capturing the raw energy and power of the band while staying true to their melodic roots.

The album closes with Ad Infinitum, a track that leaves a lasting impression of grandeur and emotional resonance. It reinforces the band’s ability to balance crushing heaviness with atmospheric beauty, culminating in a final statement that lingers long after the music fades. Throughout Cold Flare Eternal, the emotional contrasts are striking: moments of melancholic reflection alternate with bursts of fury and intensity, creating a dynamic listening experience that keeps the album compelling from start to finish.

TUOMAS SAUKKONEN’s vision and experience are central to the album’s impact. Over the past two decades, his work with projects like WOLFHEART and DAWN OF SOLACE has shaped Finnish metal, and his leadership in BEFORE THE DAWN ensures a perfect balance of aggression, melody, and atmosphere. The album’s artwork, crafted by Gogo Melone, visually captures this duality of darkness and beauty, providing a fitting complement to the music.

In conclusion, Cold Flare Eternal is a masterclass in modern melodic death metal. It merges crushing heaviness, soaring melodies, and the cold, atmospheric beauty of Finland’s landscapes into an emotionally resonant and powerful listening experience. For fans of melodic death metal seeking both intensity and depth, this album demonstrates that BEFORE THE DAWN remain at the top of their game - an unmissable release that solidifies their legacy in the Nordic metal scene.

Score: 8/10

Cold Flare Eternal will be released on September 5th 2025.

Words: Mia Gailey

Photos: Before The Dawn