GRABUNHOLD / CIRCLE OF SHADOWS – split LP black

lim. black vinyl to 400 copies

Bringing together two black metal hordes from the Olde World, Lamentationen features three exclusive tracks each from Germany’s GRABUNHOLD and Austria’s CIRCLE OF SHADOWS. Those who follow the evil deeds of IRON BONEHEAD should be well aware of GRABUNHOLD by now, having released an EP in 2019 and the successive Heldentod debut full-length in 2021 (and, most recently, a reissue of the band’s first demo). Keeping their swords aloft, the Germans continue to mine their medieval black metal with care, craft, and charisma. But the plaintive lament “Lebewol” should induce chills as their half comes to a close. CIRLCE OF SHADOWS, for their part, comprise a member from the well-respected Transilvania, and although they’ve been around a decade, their discography to date includes all short-lengths. Nevertheless, with their trio of tracks here do they whip forth a rustic style of black metal that’s equal parts icy surge and triumphant march – pagan by proxy rather than “pagan black metal” by cliche.

Tracks:

1. Grabunhold: Caras Galadhon
2. Der Zorn der zwei Türme
3. Lebewohl
4. Circle of Shadows: Draugluin
5. Tol-in-Graurhoth – Mein Fluch ist schwarzer Segen
6. Nine Ghosts

Genres: Black Metal