Review Summary: TRVE KVLT
Austrian Folk Black Metal band formed in 1993 release their debut demo entitled Upon the Viking's Stallion. While being a well known band there are hidden gems amongst the demo catalogue from this two piece "dubtet" known as Summoning; particularly being Upon the Viking's Stallion. It's often refreshing and foundation-building to hear the roots of any certain artist before they became what they presently are.
When you listen to recent LP's from Summoning's discography you'll notice a heavy focus on ambient folk metal, whereas in the beginning they started out playing a more straightforward type of Black Metal; occasionally adding tidbits of keyboard work to add an evil sounding balance to the upfront approach. This is strongly noted on the title track of this demo. The song starts with an unconventional dark keyboard pattern with overlaying spoken vocals, only to be interrupted by a double bass attack with accompanying tremolos. This approach adds a great deal of enjoyment; rather than a continuation of repetitive keyboards, which are ever so common in Summoning’s modern discography, the blending of the two gives adequate variation.
The melodic undertones, manifest by use of tremolos, do well to accompany the bleak production style. This demo favors the low end, bass-like atmosphere, so the only treble coming through are the high octave tremolos, drum cymbals, and screeching vocals. This balance adds a dampened musical sound which adds to the bleakness portrayed by the compositional executions.
How can anyone call themselves a true fan if they're not willing to consider the birth place of their idealistic gods? With that being said I present you "Upon the Viking’s Stallion".
