December 2022 Feature Release - The North Edition

Daniel

First Post November 30, 2022 07:02 PM

So just like that we find that a new month is upon us which of course means that we’ll be nominating a brand new monthly feature release for each clan. This essentially means that we’re asking you to rate, review & discuss our chosen features for no other reason than because we enjoy the process & banter. We’re really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on our chosen releases so don’t be shy.

This month’s feature release for The North has been nominated by myself. It's the highly regarded 2001 "Let Mortal Heroes Sing Your Fame" fifth album from Austrian atmospheric/symphonic black metal duo Summoning. Now Ben knows full well that I've had my issues with Summoning over the years & it's become somewhat of a joke between us but it's been many years since I ventured anywhere near this supposedly classic release so it's time to see if my wrath has eased towards one of the more popular bands in their chosen subgenres.

https://metal.academy/releases/1423

Daniel

December 07, 2022 08:38 PM

Post #13127

I tried. I really did. But this shit just ain't my bag I'm afraid because Summoning's fifth record is far more Santa than it is Satan. In fact, I could easily imagine a lot of these tracks being played beneath a popular crooner at a Carols By Candlelight session somewhere while families wave candles in the air & I'm afraid I'm a bit of a grinch at the best of times when it comes to Christmas. There's a strong darkwave influence visible throughout the tracklisting but where a brilliant artist like Dead Can Dance creates gorgeous soundscapes through their wonderful attention to detail & expansive array of organic instrumentation Summoning simply use extraordinarily cheap sounding midi synths to make the same tired ol' sounds time & time again. The metal component is dwarfed by the synths on this occasion but that wouldn't be such a bad thing necessarily if not for the obviously cheesy nature of the rest of the instrumentation. There is one track that I quite enjoy in the brooding "In Hollow Halls Beneath the Fells" but the rest falls pretty flat to my ears unfortunately. I can't see a time where I'll ever find myself being converted by this artist as I find myself having to summon enormous amounts of energy simply to develop an opinion on records like this one as the effort to get through a few active listens is significant even if they're not inherently "bad" as such. I find that there's a fine line between the "epic" & the "embarrassing" & Summoning seem to fall on the latter side of that line more often than not.

For fans of Caladan Brood, Emyn Muil & Elffor.

2.5/5

UnhinderedbyTalent

December 31, 2022 02:49 PM

Post #13289

One of metal's real niche bands, Summoning occupy an awkward slot in black metal given that although they have recognisable bm elements they by no means conform to the conventional sound overall. If I am honest, I have never really had a problem getting in to Summoning. That is not say that I am ignorant of the challenges they present to most metal fans but they still hold much appeal to me, albeit this appeal needs to be drip fed in small and irregular doses. I was unaware of the "classic" status allocated to this particular release from the Austrians and whilst I can acknowledge the quality here I would not go as far as to give it such a heady status (I am not even sure "classic" releases of this sub-genre even exist as a concept).

There is lots of repetition here and that is sort of the point. I do not seek a Summoning record when I want to be challenged by vast and expansive soundscapes. I come in search of familiarity and safety here and I find it in bundles. This comfort zone is an odd one I concede. It is nerdy and lacks any sense of climax or overall completion. However, all this posturing works because it maintains the exact intention of what Summoning set out to do - their own thing. It is like music for some bizarre and grandiose medieval military parade. Beneath the armour and capes and weapons, the soldiers are probably all a bit portly and rotund but just love getting dressed up and acting the part. No need for an big build ups to announce the commencement of some battle, let us just use that repetition to boost the pomp and circumstance to a ridiculous yet consistent level.

I think that whilst they are certainly obvious throughout, the synths are not the dominant performance. I can clearly hear the guitars and vocals at all times and I don't even mind the programmed drums. Yes, there is an air of the amateur in places but it all adds to the nerdy, haphazard nature of the atmospheres. The closing track is far and away the standout one of the eight on offer. That big chorus being the only crescendo we get and rightly so!

3.5/5