What makes Stronghold by Summoning notable?

'Stronghold' is notable for its ambitious sound, which drew attention within the black metal community and beyond, influencing subsequent bands with its orchestral approach. The album has been praised in various reviews, solidifying Summoning's reputation as key figures in atmospheric metal, often cited by later artists seeking to incorporate cinematic elements into heavy music. By the time 'Stronghold' was released in 1999, Summoning had already established themselves as pioneers in the atmospheric black metal genre. This album followed their critically acclaimed work 'Dol Guldur' (1996) and marked a continued exploration of their unique sound, characterized by grand compositions and immersive lyrical themes.

How many songs are on Stronghold?

Stronghold has 9 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Stronghold

Summoning · 1999

64 min · 9 tracks · black metal

Epic soundscapes blend atmospheric keyboards with haunting vocals, evoking vast landscapes and mythic tales.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rhûn — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its sweeping melodies and ethereal atmosphere, encapsulating the band's signature style of blending fantasy and heaviness.
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The Glory Disappears — With its intricate layering and dynamic shifts, this track showcases the band's ability to create a haunting sonic landscape that reflects themes of loss and nostalgia.
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Where Hope and Daylight Die — This song exemplifies the use of contrasting moods, seamlessly intertwining melancholic melodies with powerful crescendos, making it a standout moment on the album.
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A Distant Flame Before the Sun — Closing the album, this lengthy composition builds an epic narrative arc that combines both intensity and tranquility, leaving listeners with a profound sense of closure.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Stronghold showcases ambitious compositions and distinctive atmospheric elements within black metal.

What we noticed

The album opens with a lengthy instrumental track that sets a grand, atmospheric tone, followed by songs that blend harsh vocals with sweeping keyboard melodies.
Each track features extended arrangements, often exceeding six minutes, allowing for gradual build-ups and climactic moments.
The use of layered synths creates a rich soundscape that evokes imagery of vast landscapes, while the vocals are often buried in the mix, adding to the overall atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Rhûn 3:25
2 Long Lost to Where No Pathway Goes 7:23
3 The Glory Disappears 7:49
4 Like Some Snow‐White Marble Eyes 7:19
5 Where Hope and Daylight Die 6:28
6 The Rotting Horse on the Deadly Ground 8:25
7 The Shadow Lies Frozen on the Hills 7:01
8 The Loud Music of the Sky 6:47
9 A Distant Flame Before the Sun 9:43

What to play next

Listen next

Let Mortal Heroes Sing Your Fame

2001

Go back to

Dol Guldur

1996

Full Summoning discography Artists like Summoning

black metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata