Italian 5-piece band Frozen Crown stood out to me among new European power metal acts because of their speed, skillful balance of lead guitar, clean vocals, and harsh vocals. In their sophomore album Crowned in Frost, lead composer Federico Mondelli seems to be experimenting with longer tracks, atmospheric riffing, more vocal harmonies, more blast beats, and an overall heavier sound. If we’re going to make comparisons to winter-themed bands, think less Sonata Arctica and more