Grîmmöld is an atmospheric black metal act from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US, active since 2018 and consisting of the only eponymous mastermind. Grîmmöld has been very prolific, churning out in only three years numerous EP's and two albums. The latest full-length is The Dying Kings of Man, released earlier this year (another EP was released soon afterward).
Musically speaking Grîmmöld merges black metal and dark ambient in what is generally known as dungeon synth. There is a lot of variety in the songs, and sometimes the transitions between the harsh black metal and the more contemplative moments are non-existent, and that affects the listening experience, in my opinion. This is perhaps even more evident in a long work like the album: the continual variation breaks the thread continually, making the album less enjoyable; on the other hand, this is an intrinsic characteristic of the genre.
In conclusion, I do not think that The Dying Kings of Man excels in originality, but it is a well-crafted album for sure. So if you like dungeon synth, I highly recommend you to listen to this album; you will love it.
Notes:
The Dying Kings of Man was independently released on April 2, 2021 only digitally.
Personnel:
Grîmmöld: guitar, vocals, synths
Guest musicians:
Thane: drums
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
Musically speaking Grîmmöld merges black metal and dark ambient in what is generally known as dungeon synth. There is a lot of variety in the songs, and sometimes the transitions between the harsh black metal and the more contemplative moments are non-existent, and that affects the listening experience, in my opinion. This is perhaps even more evident in a long work like the album: the continual variation breaks the thread continually, making the album less enjoyable; on the other hand, this is an intrinsic characteristic of the genre.
In conclusion, I do not think that The Dying Kings of Man excels in originality, but it is a well-crafted album for sure. So if you like dungeon synth, I highly recommend you to listen to this album; you will love it.
Notes:
The Dying Kings of Man was independently released on April 2, 2021 only digitally.
Personnel:
Grîmmöld: guitar, vocals, synths
Guest musicians:
Thane: drums
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
