This is a split between two black metal bands, Grabunhold from Germany and Circle of Shadows from Austria.
Grabunhold feature current and ex-members of Baxaxaxa and Imha Tarikat, and they are up first, with three tracks spread over 17 minutes.
Opener Caras Galadhon creates quite the impression. After some calm-yet-ominous synths, Grabunhold veritably explode into blackened grandeur and dark aggression. This is medieval black metal, and you can tell from the band’s melodic components. These generally take two forms here – subtle-yet-integral, or overt and rousing. I haven’t heard Grabuhold before, but this song makes me wish I had.
Der Zorn Der Zwei Türme follows, continuing the charismatic assault. It’s got a beat you can move to and a melody that works its way easily into your brain. Yep, this is the good stuff. The gruff vocals have more character than they have any right to, and they fit the music well. It’s relentless and somehow bleakly upbeat, which I find remarkably compelling.
Grabunhold end their side of the split with the unexpected Lebewhol. Unexpected because it’s an atmospheric acoustic folk piece with clean singing and swathes of synths. It’s an expressive track that works really well.
After that we have Circle of Shadows, who deliver three tracks across 15 minutes.
The first song – Draugluin – erupts in a devastating attack of old-school black metal supremacy. It’s energetic, fierce, and boasts guitars that can cut through ice. This is very tasty stuff. With sharp, piercing screams, organic drums that sound like they’re marking the death of aeons, and a careful balance between harsh aggression and icy atmosphere, Draugluin wins me over in no uncertain terms.
Tol-in-Graurhoth – Mein Fluch ist Schwarzer Segen starts with a classic frozen riff, before revealing once more that Circle of Shadows’ high quality songcraft showcased on Draugluin was no fluke. All of the band really hit the spot in their performances, but the guitars in particular are arresting and moreish. There are some great leads on display here too, as well as an ear for nuance.
The final song is Nine Ghosts, which offers a similar banquet of traditional black meatiness. It’s furious and grim, with a melancholic air that soars above the underpinning harsh hostility. Through a well-crafted mix of blackened belligerence and emotive mood, Nine Ghosts completes Circle of Shadow’s impressive set of three.
Grabunhold and Circle of Shadows have both made strong impressions on me. If you’re a fan of quality black metal then this is one to seek out as a priority. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more from both artists in the future.
Wonderbox Metal 