The Frozen Autumn
The Frozen Autumn is an Italian darkwave band formed in 1993 in Turin by musician Diego Merletto as a solo project, later evolving into a collaborative ensemble characterized by its self-coined "Frozen Wave" style—a melodic fusion of 1980s electronic synth-wave, cold-wave atmospheres, and melancholic vocals.[1][2] The band's early work drew inspiration from the 1980s output of the 4AD record label and European cold-wave acts, emphasizing atmospheric soundscapes with synthesizers, samplers, and programming.[1] Founded amid the post-industrial music scene, Merletto handled vocals, keyboards, and composition initially, releasing the demo Oblivion in 1993 before their debut studio album Pale Awakening in 1995, independently through Weisser Herbst Produktion.[1][3][4] Core members include Diego Merletto (vocals, synthesizers, programming, and effects since 1993) and Arianna (aka Froxeanne, vocals and keyboards since 1998), with past contributors such as guitarist Claudio Brosio (1994–1998) and keyboardist The Count (2009).[1][2] The group's sound shifted toward more electronic and danceable elements starting with Emotional Screening Device (2002), reflecting influences from 1980s new wave while maintaining a signature icy, introspective tone.[1] Over three decades, The Frozen Autumn has built a dedicated following in the gothic and alternative music communities, touring internationally—including performances in North and South America—and releasing seven studio albums, including Fragments of Memories (1997), Is Anybody There? (2005), Chirality (2011), The Fellow Traveller (2017), and The Shape of Things to Come (2023).[3] Compilations like Time Is Just a Memory (2016) and recent digital singles such as Midnight Sun City (2024) highlight their enduring output, often reissued by labels including Eibon Records, Metropolis, and Avantgarde.[3] Their music, available on platforms like Spotify, continues to evoke themes of memory, dusk, and emotional detachment through tracks like "Is Everything Real?" and "Dusk Is Like a Dagger."[3]History
Formation and early years
The Frozen Autumn was formed in May 1993 in Turin, Italy, as a solo project by Diego Merletto, who had previously been active as a singer and keyboard player in several local darkwave bands since 1987.[1] Initially, Merletto handled all aspects of songwriting, vocals, keyboards, and synth programming, drawing from his experience in the underground scene to create atmospheric compositions.[1] In 1994, Merletto released the band's first demo tape, Oblivion, a self-produced effort featuring six original tracks that established the project's melodic and melancholic sound.[1] That same year, guitarist Claudio Brosio joined as the first collaborator, contributing to early studio sessions, effects, bass programming, and live performances while Merletto retained sole creative control.[5] Brosio's involvement helped expand the project's texture, leading to the debut album Pale Awakening in 1995, released on the German label Weisser Herbst Produktion with minimal promotion.[6] The album incorporated the Oblivion demo tracks alongside four new songs, including the 1980s-inspired "This Time," and achieved modest success, selling over 5,000 copies through grassroots distribution.[1] Its tracklist highlighted the band's emerging style:| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pale Awakening (Intro) | 7:07 |
| 2 | Again | 5:25 |
| 3 | Winter | 6:22 |
| 4 | Another Tear | 5:01 |
| 5 | Onyria | 7:17 |
| 6 | This Time (80's Song) | 4:10 |
| 7 | In The Nightime | 6:43 |
| 8 | Wait For Nothing | 6:24 |
| 9 | Scent Of Innocence | 4:00 |
| 10 | When The Dreams Became Memories | 8:27 |