Released 30 years ago
Dol Guldur
Summoning · 1996
68 min · 8 tracks · black metal
Epic soundscapes intertwine with atmospheric keyboards and harsh vocals, creating a cinematic experience steeped in fantasy mythology.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nightshade Forests — This track exemplifies the album’s thematic depth, showcasing haunting melodies that evoke imagery of dark, enchanted woods while integrating lush instrumental arrangements.
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Khazad-dûm — A standout for its epic length and dynamic shifts, this track captures the grandeur of its namesake location, blending aggressive riffs with soaring synths to create a powerful narrative experience.
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Elfstone — With its ethereal soundscapes and immersive atmosphere, this track highlights the band’s ability to transport listeners into a mythical world, encapsulating the essence of their artistic vision.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Dol Guldur's rich atmospheres and seamless transitions mark it as a significant work in atmospheric black metal.
What we noticed
- The album features long tracks, with several exceeding eight minutes, allowing for extended development of themes and motifs.
- Layered keyboards create a dense atmospheric backdrop that complements the harsh vocals, enhancing the epic soundscape.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Unto a Long Glory...
The progression shifts from somber reflections to an uplifting crescendo that signifies hope amidst despair.
This change in tone not only mirrors the lyrical journey but also showcases Summoning’s skill in using dynamics to enhance emotional impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Angbands Schmieden 3:30
- 2 Nightshade Forests 10:48
- 3 Elfstone 10:51
- 4 Khazad-dûm 10:57
- 5 Kôr 10:59
- 6 Wyrmvater Glaurung 3:05
- 7 Unto a Long Glory... 9:37
- 8 Over Old Hills 8:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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