CROMLECH – of owls and eels LP black

Ltd 500, 300 x black vinyl, Gatefold-sleeve, 4-page 12“ insert.

Fans of NAGELFAR, LUNAR AURORA, DIES ATER or THE RUINS OF BEVERAST take heed and make sure to listen to this album! CROMLECH was already launched by the band’s sole member Impurus in 1994. Much of what would become the first album was written back then under the title Cold and Stiff, originally meant as a demo. But for various reasons, it wasn’t properly recorded and released until 2023 – nearly 30 years later. During the timespan when CROMLECH lay dormant, Impurus wasn`t inactive at all, though, but made a name for himself being the drummer of and as such recording numerous albums with DIES ATER, CRYOGENIC and ALBEZ DUZ. Listening to CROMLECH`s second album Of Owls and Eels, which Darkness Shall Rise has the pleasure to unleash on various formats, it`s strikingly obvious that such music couldn`t have been created by newcomers. Of Owls and Eels, while musically and atmospherically definitely being a Black Metal album, is also a daring effort of a seasoned musician expressing himself in an authentic way without paying attention to genre conventions. Thus, we are presented with a diverse and highly enjoyable album, where cold Black Metal riffs and high-level drumming merge seamlessly with eerie keyboards and surreal, almost hallucinatory soundscapes. A journey through shadow, memory and dream. Of Owls and Eels is dynamic, unpredictable and unmistakably quirky – brutal in places, but also melancholic and touched by a sense of quiet reverie. Due to Impurus`s outstanding skills as both a songwriter and a musician he managed to weave various elements together in a splendid way. The result is an album of intense atmospheric weight – seven songs that completely transcend the limitations often associated with solo Black Metal projects. It’s almost unfathomable that such depth and scope could emerge from the vision and hands of just one man. Anyone familiar with DIES ATER and CRYOGENIC is likely to find similarities to said bands in CROMLECH`s second album too. Some of the Doom of ALBEZ DUZ has crept into CROMLECH as well. Especially “The Quiet Witness” would also fit on an ALBEZ DUZ album. Of Owls and Eels is certainly much more than the sum of its parts, though. This album proves that Germany is still fertile soil for Black Metal excellence as CROMLECH continue in the tradition of masterpieces released by NAGELFAR or THE RUINS OF BEVERAST. Just listen for yourself! The first live-shows for 2025 are planned as well. For example also at the „A Night Of The Ancient Spells“ DSR-concert in November together with GEHENNA and PENTHOS. Mastered by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony.

Tracks:

1. Old Incineration Hymn
2. Past Forever
3. Owls in the Fog
4. Ice Curse
5. Eels (Part I)
6. The Quiet Witness
7. Mordlust

Genres: Black Metal

GPSR Information:
Manufacturer:
Darkness Shall Rise Productions
Lengenfelder Straße 58, 08107 Kirchberg, Germany
darknessshallrise(at)gmx.de