Band:	Summoning
Album:	Dol Guldur
Style:	Atmospheric black metal
Release date:	January 19, 1997
Guest review by:	dark awakening

01. Angbands Schmieden
02. Nightshade Forests
03. Elfstone
04. Khazad Dúm
05. Kôr
06. Wyrmvater Glaurung
07. Unto A Long Glory...
08. Over Old Hills

I noticed this band only a few months ago, but since the first notes it immediately caught my attention. The two "Tolkien-epic-men" Silenius and Protector are two great musicians; and the proof is their melodic reserch into each song. Infact, if you listen to this Summoning's album, there's always a keyboard part that gives strong emotions, completes the base riffs in a really catchy way and creates that atmosphere characteristic of the Atmospheric/Black Metal (a genre in which this band rules since 1993).

The impression of being in Middle-Earth and fighting against enemies during epic battles is very well given. Since the opening ANGBANDS SCHMIEDEN we notice a simple use of compositions techniques; but without using hard riffs or solos (which don't appear at all) they manage to create a great feeling between the listener and the music. Songs like KHAZAD DUM, ELFSTONE and KOR are really catchy; I might say sometimes sweet and sad, but strong at the same time. Each musician does vocals and keyboards; sometimes there's only a voice during a song, or sometimes two (This is important for creating diversified atmospheres; also because the two voice are very differnt). There is also a use of different sounds from the keyboard; for example in the first track we hear a crescendo of bells, brightness synth and orchestral parts on the main riff.

Then I must say something about the lyrics; which are mighty poems of shining beauty. I rarely found something like this:

"The air was neither night or a day
But faintly dark with softest light
When first glimmered into sight
The cottage of Lost Play..."

Dol Guldur is a great album for those who like melodic/black metal and similar stuff and could be good also for those who have never listened to extreme metal before. One of the greatest album of the band.

Best songs: ELFSTONE, KOR, OVER OLD HILLS