Krigsgrav are a black metal band from the US and this is their eighth album.
Stormcaller is the 52-minute follow up to 2023’s well-received Fires in the Fall. Krigsgrav have already proven their worth at this point, so I was looking forward to what this new record brought.
If this is your first encounter with Kirgsgrav, they essentially play a hybrid form of atmospheric black metal twinned with melodic death/doom. Sort of a mix of Agalloch, In Mourning, Insomnium, Katatonia, and Wolves in the Throne Room. Put differently; imagine a blackened version of a band like Insomnium or In Mourning, I suppose. The emphasis is on the black metal, albeit one that’s definitely taken a solid influence from the melodic death/doom side of things.
Stormcaller is a well-rounded, well-crafted record. It takes Krigsgrav’s various influences and blends then together into a compelling selection of tracks. Across the eight songs the band gift us with they focus on different elements of their sound either more or less, showcasing their ability to range from scathing aggression to emotive atmosphere, and much between.
The songs benefit from furious blast beats and expressive melodies. The doom is mournful and well-integrated into the blackened foundations. There are frequently stirring lead guitars and molten metal solos; the guitarist seems to think he’s playing in a classic heavy metal band sometimes, but it works a treat and I like this aspect of Stormcaller a great deal. The record flows from one song to the next in a measured, assured way. Krigsgrav’s handle on structuring and dynamics ensure that the listening experience provided is a comprehensive and engaging one.
Stormcaller is a strong and enjoyable album. Krigsgrav continue to do good work in their chosen arena, and I heartily recommend you spend some time with their new record.
Wonderbox Metal 