Summoning - Oath Bound (2006)^{Release ID: 1424}

Summoning are one of the more divisive bands in the metal scene. They are a band it is nearly impossible to be ambivalent about, an outfit people either love or hate. The reason for this is plain to hear, their emphasis on medieval fantasy themes layered on top of atmospheric black metal is certainly not to every black metal fan's taste. Unfortunately (for me, not them, I'm sure they couldn't give a damn what I think) I am one of those who can't take to their particular style.
For me, the duo's black metal is not particularly impressive and the keyboards' fantasy-style themes are plastered on with a trowel in order to obscure the weakness of the black metal. Of course, the band's intention may be that the BM aspects are deliberately unimpressive in order to not detract from their main focus which is the medieval atmospherics. I am not well-informed enough to know which of these is true and, in all honesty, it matters little because the outcome is still the same. I'm sure there are plenty who find their music evocative and even inspiring but, personally, I find the effect to be overtly cheesy and not at all what I'm looking for in metal. This is exacerbated even further by the programmed drums, the echoing effect employed hear doesn't suggest inspiring medieval battle drums to me, but rather sound like somebody has been allowed to have a go on Carl Palmer's electronic drum kit prior to a 1980's Asia stadium gig (this is not a good thing!)
I must concede that, no matter what anyone thinks, the duo have gone all in and certainly seem unwilling to compromise their thematic vision and I have no wish to be too scathing as I appreciate that some people do gain a great deal from Summoning's output so I will end it here by saying it's just not for me.