Known as the true guardians of Middle Earth, Austrian duo Summoning returns with “With Doom We Come” which continues to draw inspiration from the myths of J.R.R. Tolkien and is certainly one of the most anticipated albums of 2018.

The mystical atmospheres of “Tar-Calion” open this new music journey channeling intense desolation with raw blackened guitar riffs completely surrounded by rich synth arrangements, theatrical vocals and magical folk elements that evoke the natural beauty of a remote forest in an enchanted land as the band here chooses to focus on refined melodic tapestries with scattered epic accents.

On “Silvertine” the atmosphere acquires obscure tonalities with steady melodic guitars that contribute to the creation of an exceptionally darkened mood further enhanced by traditional black metal growls and elegantly embellished by sumptuous orchestrations that include epic horns and melancholic piano.

“Carcharoth” features a spellbinding mixture of soothing minimalist instrumentation and rather grandiose atmospheric arrangements that once again tend to favor the band’s melodic side while ominous growls often emerge from familiar blackened depths.

On “Mirklands” soft piano melodies introduce a gloomy sonic realm that is certainly filled with unadulterated darkness yet offers loads of ethereal harmonies in the midst of opulent atmospheric layers and distant echoes of distorted guitars.

The particularly lengthy album closer “With Doom I Come” definitely relies on the vivid atmospheric aspects of Summoning’s music style as kaleidoscopic keyboards craft an endless series of magical hazy progressions bearing a dark aura as well as cinematic quality, absolutely amplified by epic chants and mysterious whispers, that continuously channel mystical and mythical vibes.

Even if remnants of primordial black metal infuse the whole album there is nothing insanely heavy on “With Doom We Come” as Summoning brings a shroud of frost and pure poetic gloom constantly evoking surreal soundscapes that will keep you company through these long winter nights.