Summoning
Lugburz
[Napalm]
Okay... first things first.... This does NOT sound ANYTHING at all like every subsequent Summoning release. It is straight ahead Northern black metal sounding most similar to Abigor. If you ONLY like Summoning's later releases and don't like fast paced Northern stuff , you have been warned. Don't go buying it and leaving negative reviews because you can't handle its viciousness nor see the beauty ensconced in its distortion and aggression. That said, let's get on to the review.
As stated above, this is northern black metal, with a distinct Austrian sound to it. Sounds very much like Abigor, in no small part due, of course, to the fact that Silenius does vocals on almost all of Abigor's albums. Drums and production are lo-fi; sound like Darkthrone ala Under a Funeral Moon era. But the melodies are very different: medieval sounding at many points, though very aggressive and yes, there are numerous blast beat sections. Keyboards are almost non-existent, only used to pepper intense moments. Drums are sloppy, on purpose I think, but they only add to the sound. All in all I would say this is Abigor meets Under a Funeral Moon with a medieval atmosphere thrown in.
Looking over this review, however, I believe I have failed to capture the excellence of what I hold to be one of the greatest, emotional, and most innovative black metal albums ever recorded. Silenius'and Protector's vocals are one of the BEST vocal performances EVER in bm, screams are very impassioned, never unemotional, and at many times alternate vocals are layered over each other, with random screams of rage and torment by one vocalist thrown over the main vocal line by the other. This of course creates a wonderful effect, a chaotic frenzy of shrieks and screams the likes of which I have yet to encounter anywhere else (unless my memory fails me). Music is alternately and simultaneously driving, rhythmic, rocking, chaotic sounding yet wonderful structure overall (i.e. excellent song compositions). Basically, an Abigor album, not really a Summoning one, so far fans of Abigor, this is a must (though as I have said this can be sloppy (in a good bm way) and not tight and slick as hell like Abigor). Not for CoF and Dummy Burger poseurs. There are no keyboards here. (I should add at this point that Summoning, ALL Summoning, is my favorite band, so I am not prejudiced against keyboards, just when they are used poorly [i.e. gothic cheezy schmaltz (I'm so sad... and horny... boo hoo my dark mistress)]) Nor is this for fans of "modern 'black metal'" like newer Emperor and Satyricon (which is not really bm) as it is sloppy and vicious, not trying to be technical and intellectual. Don't think this album isn't innovative, however... it is. But it is only for fans of true lo-fi evil medieval Sauron-worship black metal. Buy this... it rocks and Silenius' and Protectors' vocals will tear The Shire (and your ears) to shreds.
© 2002 the insider
As stated above, this is northern black metal, with a distinct Austrian sound to it. Sounds very much like Abigor, in no small part due, of course, to the fact that Silenius does vocals on almost all of Abigor's albums. Drums and production are lo-fi; sound like Darkthrone ala Under a Funeral Moon era. But the melodies are very different: medieval sounding at many points, though very aggressive and yes, there are numerous blast beat sections. Keyboards are almost non-existent, only used to pepper intense moments. Drums are sloppy, on purpose I think, but they only add to the sound. All in all I would say this is Abigor meets Under a Funeral Moon with a medieval atmosphere thrown in.
Looking over this review, however, I believe I have failed to capture the excellence of what I hold to be one of the greatest, emotional, and most innovative black metal albums ever recorded. Silenius'and Protector's vocals are one of the BEST vocal performances EVER in bm, screams are very impassioned, never unemotional, and at many times alternate vocals are layered over each other, with random screams of rage and torment by one vocalist thrown over the main vocal line by the other. This of course creates a wonderful effect, a chaotic frenzy of shrieks and screams the likes of which I have yet to encounter anywhere else (unless my memory fails me). Music is alternately and simultaneously driving, rhythmic, rocking, chaotic sounding yet wonderful structure overall (i.e. excellent song compositions). Basically, an Abigor album, not really a Summoning one, so far fans of Abigor, this is a must (though as I have said this can be sloppy (in a good bm way) and not tight and slick as hell like Abigor). Not for CoF and Dummy Burger poseurs. There are no keyboards here. (I should add at this point that Summoning, ALL Summoning, is my favorite band, so I am not prejudiced against keyboards, just when they are used poorly [i.e. gothic cheezy schmaltz (I'm so sad... and horny... boo hoo my dark mistress)]) Nor is this for fans of "modern 'black metal'" like newer Emperor and Satyricon (which is not really bm) as it is sloppy and vicious, not trying to be technical and intellectual. Don't think this album isn't innovative, however... it is. But it is only for fans of true lo-fi evil medieval Sauron-worship black metal. Buy this... it rocks and Silenius' and Protectors' vocals will tear The Shire (and your ears) to shreds.
© 2002 the insider