Ice Howl – The Ledger Of Timeless Watchers

Ice Howl
The Ledger Of Timeless Watchers
Label: Self-released / Alone Records
Out: 24^th April 2026 (digital) / between September and November 2026 (Physical)
Playing time: 36:24

Ice Howl from Bloomington (Indiana) have been around since 2015, initially under the name ‘Tundra Vibrations’. They changed their name later that same year. Initially, they played Doom/Stoner/Heavy Metal. Later, they turned to Heavy/Power Metal. They have been active since their formation, with a few brief hiatuses. In addition to several EPs and singles, they have released four albums to date. Their latest album, ‘The Ledger Of Timeless Watchers’, was released back in April this year. All the tracks had previously been published on two EPs, ‘The Ledger of Timeless Watchers Pt. 1 and Pt. 2’ (2025, 2026). A release on CD or vinyl is planned for autumn 2026 via the Greek label Alone Records. Of the original line-up, only guitarist Jason Roach remains.

‘The Omphalos inntOf Fate’ kicks off with a storm of drums and riffs. Then come the soaring screams of singer Zebah Latifi. She holds her own well against the noisy instruments. Time and again she lets out her screams, which surely push her vocal cords to their limits. The title track, ‘The Ledger Of Timeless Watchers’, is a little calmer. A strong power metal anthem. Once again, the drums and guitars drive the track forward. Zebah shows that she can not only scream, but also sing very well. Band founder Jason Roach delivers one of his many guitar solos. Once again, the drums kick off the song. Then, on ‘Three Of Blades’, the guitar melodies kick in once more. The vocals are harsher and sound a little choppy at times. ‘Tangled Darkness Of The Elder Gods’ is once again characterised by a fast tempo, thanks to the double bass drum attacks, and the singer’s screams. ‘In Ashes & Embers’ is a short instrumental interlude. Keyboards, choruses and a few sound effects dominate. This breaks the arc of excitement a little. The transition to the Metal anthem ‘Carry On Our Name’ is seamless. Once again, singer Zebah Latifi impresses, as does the duet with a male vocal partner (who?). ‘Veneration Denied’ is rhythmic and has an anthemic feel. Zebah once again alternates repeatedly between harsh, powerful and clear vocals. Cymbal hits and a bass melody introduce the closing track, ‘Orodruin: Font Of Fire And Magic’. A final Metal anthem on the album.

On ‘The Ledger Of Timeless Watchers’, Ice Howl celebrate a blend of classic American Heavy Metal and classic European-style Power Metal. Of course, Jayron ‘Zebah’ Latifi is the figurehead of the quintet. She is pushed to vocal excellence by her bandmates. In September, the band will embark on the “Music of the Maiar” tour across the U.S. Will we ever get to experience this unbridled power live in Europe?

Lineup:

Jayron “Zebah” Latifi – Vocals
Jason Roach – Lead Guitar
Seth Crichfield – Rhythm Guitar
Mike Taylor – Drums
Mark Jackson – Bass, Backing Vocals

Track list:

• The Omphalos Of Fate     
• The Ledger Of Timeless Watchers          
• Three of Blades     
• Tangled Darkness Of The Elder Gods          
• In Ashes & Embers
• Carry On Our Name         
• Veneration Denied 
• Orodruin: Font Of Fire And Magic