Darkenhöld – Castellum
And back to magnificent France, today I’ll be sharing my thoughts on Darkenhöld’s latest release, Castellum. Let’s get to know a bit more about the band, if you haven’t already… Caverns, citadels and castles composing a score of phantasmagoria, forests haunted by the blows of ancient times, mythical creatures, legends born of stone and mystery… The music of DARKENHÖLD draws its inspiration from the source of original times of epic and oniric Black Metal. Founded in the year 2008, Castellum is the band’s third full-length album.
I am amazed; this album represents beauty, majesty, an epic sense of glory, dignity, a tribute to a heroic past. It feels passionate, that the music really came of the band’s hearts and heroic. Captivating, impressive and remarkable, that’s how I feel over Castellum. I’m actually in love with the music; it’s so superb, marvelous, there’s this feeling that you’re on a journey while listening to Darkenhöld and, in my humble opinion, when a band manages to create music that actually “transport” you into a different world, away from the everyday’s problems, it’s a phenomenal accomplishment. And that can be completely applied to Castellum.
The music itself is Medieval Black Metal, with lots of atmosphere, melodic, rich compositions, choirs, stellar riffs, an amazing bass work, and the music feels “larger than life”. All made with elegance and brilliance. It also, at times, feels haunting, but the sense of honor is always present. This is highly commendable. The acoustic interludes are simply magical; we are also presented with hypnotic melodies. Likewise we can hear various sound effects that enrich the experience of listening to Castellum. It’s simply too much to detail here. What I can say is that this is an outstanding Medieval Black Metal release, beautiful, powerful and majestic. If you miss the old Satyricon releases, you must check Darkenhöld’s Castellum, but just be sure; this is way better produced and has its own identity.
As I’ve said already, the production of Castellum is great, all instruments, effects, vocals are heard with immense satisfaction. So, to close my thoughts, I urge you all to, please, check out Castellum and if you like the music, do whatever is possible for you in order to help the band, to support their work. I sincerely hope to hear more from Darkenhöld in the future!
Have a good day.
Grade: 10/10
Band: Darkenhöld
Album: Castellum (2014)
Label: Those Opposed Records
Tracklist:
1. Strongholds Eternal Rivalry
2. Le Castellas du Moine Brigand
3. Majestic Dusk Over the Sentinels
4. Glorious Horns
5. Feodus Obitus
6. Le Souffle des Vieilles Pierres
7. L’Incandescence Souterraine
8. Mountains Wayfaring Call
9. The Bulwarks Warlords
10. Medium Aevum
11. Woken
Darkenhöld is:
Aboth – Percussion, Drums, Keyboards
Aldébaran – Guitars, Keyboards, Bass, Choirs
Cervantes – Vocals
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Darkenhold
Official Bandcamp: http://darkenhold.bandcamp.com/
All photos belong to their rightful owners.
September 26, 2014