Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Summoning - Let Mortal Heroes Sing Your Fame (2001)

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!