Summoning – Nightshade Forests - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Austria

Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal

Release : 1997 (EP)

Album downloads only available to members

Album Info / Review

Intro:
Summoning’s “Nightshade Forests” is not merely an album; it is a pilgrimage into the heart of the primordial, a sonic tapestry woven from the threads of ancient myth, desolate landscapes, and the chilling whisper of forgotten gods. Released in 1997, this opus stands as a pivotal work in their discography, a watershed moment where the Austrian duo of Protector and Silenius solidified their unique brand of atmospheric black metal, eschewing raw aggression for an immersive, almost hypnotic journey into the abyss. The album eschews conventional song structures, opting instead for sprawling, epic compositions that build and recede like the tide of a spectral ocean, each track a distinct biome within a larger, shadowed realm. “Nightshade Forests” is a testament to the power of atmosphere, a meticulously crafted soundscape designed to transport the listener beyond the mundane and into realms of fantasy and dread.

Track Analysis:
**”Long Lost Tales”**: The album opens with an almost mournful, yet undeniably epic, synth melody, layered with distant, echoing chants that evoke the grandeur of a forgotten empire. The guitars, when they finally emerge, are not aggressive but rather a droning, distorted hum, creating a wall of sound that feels both immense and suffocating. The drums are a slow, deliberate march, emphasizing the weight of the narrative being unfolded. The vocalizations, a guttural rasp from Silenius, are not a focal point for aggression but rather another texture, a lament sung by the spectral inhabitants of these realms.

**”The Rotting Grove”**: This track delves deeper into the mire. The synth melodies become more melancholic, laced with a subtle dissonance that hints at decay. The guitar work is sparse, allowing the atmospheric elements to dominate. The introduction of a more prominent, almost tribal drum beat in sections provides a stark contrast to the ambient drone, suggesting a ritualistic undercurrent. The overall feeling is one of being lost in a place where time itself has begun to rot.

**”Nightshade Forests”**: The title track is a masterclass in sonic world-building. It begins with a chilling, almost ambient passage of wind-like synths and sparse, clean guitar arpeggios that paint a picture of a moonlit, desolate forest. The shift to distorted guitars is gradual, building a palpable tension. The vocal delivery is more pronounced here, a mournful cry that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant. The track crescendos into a powerful, yet restrained, display of atmospheric might, the synths soaring like spectral eagles above the sonic wilderness.

**”The Eldritch Realm”**: This track feels like traversing an alien, otherworldly landscape. The synth textures are more intricate and abstract, creating a sense of unease and wonder. The guitar riffs are more complex, weaving in and out of the atmospheric layers. The vocal performance is a more varied tapestry of whispers and guttural pronouncements, adding to the feeling of encountering ancient, unknowable entities. The drumming is more dynamic, shifting from slow, deliberate passages to moments of more urgent, yet still controlled, intensity.

**”The Wooing of Earth”**: A stark departure, this track leans heavily into the epic, orchestral synth arrangements that have become a Summoning hallmark. The melodies are grand and sweeping, evoking images of heroic deeds and ancient prophecies. The guitars are more melodic, providing a powerful counterpoint to the synth-driven soundscape. The vocals are more chant-like, reinforcing the epic narrative. This is a moment of defiant grandeur amidst the surrounding desolation.

**”Unto the Dark”**: The album concludes with a return to the more introspective and desolate. The synth melodies are somber and resigned, the guitars are a distant hum, and the vocals are a faint echo. The track feels like a slow descent into oblivion, a final fading of light in the encroaching darkness. It leaves the listener with a profound sense of melancholy and the lingering chill of the unknown.

Conclusion:
“Nightshade Forests” is a monument to atmospheric black metal, a meticulously crafted sonic journey that transcends the genre’s typical sonic palette. Summoning here masterfully blends raw, distorted guitar textures with sweeping, orchestral synthesizers, creating a soundscape that is both vast and intimate. The album’s strength lies in its unwavering commitment to atmosphere, its ability to conjure vivid imagery of ancient forests, desolate plains, and the haunting presence of the supernatural. It demands patience and immersion, rewarding the listener with a profound and often unsettling experience. This is not music for casual listening; it is an invitation to step into another world, a world of shadow, myth, and eternal twilight.