Without doubt, this is one of the most important metal albums ever recorded. While their previous releases had a slight aura of cheesiness about them (they rule, don't get me wrong), as well as a lack of coherence in places, their songwriting talent really comes together here. Not one foot is put wrong, not once do you think "hmm, that could have been better", it is absolutely immersive from start to finish, and reaches a height of totality/wholeness that very few can achieve. This is the triumphant ride home on horseback, having vanquished a deadly foe.
Majestic melodies are slowly developed through repetition into epic, grandiose climaxes, accompanied by the most powerful drumwork on any metal album ever composed, militaristically throbbing thunderously, albeit slow and fairly simple, as well as being a drum machine. Sadness is poignant in places, though there's no immature sentimentality here, simply a great sense of respect and reflection upon those who gave their lives to the cause. Just listen to Khazad Dum - listen to the way the original motif is built on layer-upon-layer, taking the imagination into a bombastic, beautiful journey of emotion and spiritual refreshment. In fact, just listen to any song, they're all sensational (Nightshade Forests and Elfstone are my personal favourites).
If that wasn't enough, this is one of the greatest-produced albums ever as well. Every single instrument appears to be dominating at the same time, yet they aren't fighting with one another, they're working together in harmony. From the booming echoey drums, to the rich, warm guitars. The strong, throaty, proud vocals. The various brilliant uses of keyboards, from the hefty brass sound, shining the sun's warmth down upon the men on horseback, to the sweet woodwind; a flock of birds flying over a healthily flowing stream.
Many of the best metal artists have at least partially had inspiration from those classic books by a certain Mr. Tolkien, which you may or may not know about. Few bands are quite as heavily motivated by those epics as Summoning. Indeed, virtually their entire discography focuses upon nothing but the quests and events of Middle Earth, and the resulting music is no surprise considering the scope and depth that those books covered, and the values held within them.
I'm sure I don't have to tell you again that this album is a masterpiece, but I'm going to anyway. THIS IS MAGNIFICENT. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR YOU NOT TO OWN THIS. BUY IT NOW.
Well, "Stronghold" still remains my favorite while this release and their debut remains my second fav. This is in no way "psuedo progressive rock with growling vocals" that has to be the dumbest thing I have ever read. Go back and learn the elements of black metal. Sure this band is unique. All black metal could "go well with your unicorn and wizarding figurines", again, the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Case in point, get this album. It is very good and one of their best releases next to "Stronghold."
Like the title says, good solid album. I just need 13 more words to complete the review, sorry for doing this.
[...] Anyways, Dol Guldur is a WONDERFUL album and I recommend it to anyone that likes a low quality that actually SOUNDS GOOD. Their unique style of drumming is what stands out the most! As well as the Vocals for the two guys Protector and Silenius. The sound period is unique with a medieval touch to it. Just about all their cds have a tempo between slow and medium. Just about all their songs have a depth to it which would mean alot to a black metaller. If I were you id at least take a peek at this cd! And others as well!
This is not black metal, rather its bad, pseudo progressive rock with growling vocals. Should go great with your unicorn and wizard figurine collection. I threw it out after one listen. Just awful.
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