Operation Winter Mist

Operation Winter Mist formed in Finland in 2009, started by guitarist and vocalist Jani Hölli with bassist Ville Hakkarainen and drummer Teemu Mäntynen. They put out a debut EP called 'The Call' in 2010, then followed it with their first full album 'A Call to Arms' in 2013. That album's title track became one of their most recognizable songs.

Their sound mixes melodic death metal with symphonic elements, leaning on heavy guitar work and classical touches. Other tracks like 'Arctic Wolves' and 'Blood on Ice' show their preference for cold, martial themes and expansive arrangements. The lyrics often deal with darker subjects, which has occasionally drawn criticism, though the band hasn't shifted course much in response.

They've kept a steady presence in the metal scene since that 2013 album, building a dedicated following without dramatically changing their approach. The music stays focused on that blend of aggression and melody, with songs like 'Death and Honour' and 'Divine Wind' fitting right into the pattern they established early on.