Review by Shezma for Summoning - Stronghold (1999)

This isn't Black metal.  Or at least, not what I would think of when talking Black metal. Symphonic, sure. Atmospheric, kinda. Black, only in the vocals and not even all of the time. This is a very good metal record I enjoyed cover to cover with maybe a few bits of less than stellar results but never a dull moment just maybe not perfect. The symphonic elements are strong, and would almost be curious to here a full orchestra behind this but that may actually take away from the soul of the record however that does not take away what the band members are able to do with what they were given also given the time of '99. There are moments of atmosphere, but I feel that atmosphere is a very limited term that doesn't do the melody justice. There are better, more detailed terms to explain the melodies to invoke certain feelings and mood. I get a fantastical feeling, an epic story vibe in a vein of something like Lord of the Rings but not quite as mystical. There could definitely be an essay written, or even a full on novel written around the lyrics and sound of this album. Amazing, near perfect story album.