For me it is astonishing as always hearing how much care Summoning put into their art. The music is at the same time very carefully thought out and still has the beautiful, nostalgic epic melodies. The tracks are long, the compositions repetitive and complex, as usual with with this brilliant band.

In 1995 with Minas Morgul, Summoning essentially created a sub-genre. The formula they introduced has since been expanded upon through a number of albums and has been imitated and worshipped by a cadre of followers, some talented and some mediocre. Yet throughout their 20+ year history, the duo has continuously improved and elaborated on that formula, using new samples, orchestration, and instrumentation in pursuit of a particular sound and theme. This aural theme has been paired with a literary one which, while it originates with Tolkien, has also expanded somewhat beyond those confines.

For me there is no finer or more accomplished band in this genre.

Double LP.
Gatefold.