Anfauglir was forged by US multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir (lead guitars and orchestral compositions) and Griss (vocals, bass, and guitar). ‘Akallabêth’ transports you to the ancient lands of fantasy: the lyrical themes of the new endeavor are based on the epic tales of J.R.R. Tolkien. From my perspective, the sophomore delivers a fabulous sense of art within the sub-genre of black metal; the compositions offer an array of symphonic spectacle and emotive orchestral themes.

Every song of this grand opus drifts into symphonic black metal territory, spanning over one hour. Mostly the themes and melodies retell the tales of the downfall of Númenor. Stories of triumph resound with majesty in the opening saga ‘The Rise of Númenor’, which begins with a cinematic composition and symphonic scope, followed by choral chants. The composition features powerful blast beats and vivid orchestral arrangements, where Anfauglir weaves its biggest innovative studio work.

With elegant synth and screeching black metal vocals providing an epic fantasy on the following track ‘The Inevitable Truths of Time’. The duo refrains from the traditional style of black metal, focusing on ceremonial and mystical opera. Therefore, the music is of a truly majestic solemnity.

The orchestral, choral majesty provides a cinematic length, evocative chamber work and epic black metal. Beautifully multi-layered, the instruments flow in and around one another. The atmosphere is engaging and the orchestral elements are displayed throughout.

Some moments are epic and have a very ambient, medieval feel. The music takes an adventurous approach, with many tempo changes played with lush guitar melodies, making the album profound and complex. Then; all of a sudden, the drums break out like a storm fusing their black metal flair with the clarity of the orchestral textures. It’s hard to describe the sound of the band.

Still, some elements remind me of Therion, because Anfauglir blends effective driving lead guitars, textural synth and majestic compositions that keep the songs as spectacular as engaging. The drums set the pace with orchestral embellishments, the darker black metal segments being pounded and the synth adding a triumphant and majestic touch on ‘Defying the Doom of Men’.

The style of the duo is very polished: the album’s sound production results in a bombastic theatrical work and the heavy use of synth and operatic chants add a more adventurous mix of epic majesty to the music. Some grandiose and thrilling dark passages are present in these four lengthy cuts with the celestial beauty embedded in the performance and the composition.

Each second of this epic opus shows the immense and rich atmosphere. The black metal characteristic of Anfauglir varies between exotic landscapes and dark thematic sound. The elegant melodies unfurl in waves of symphonic grandeur and remain engaging through heavier black metal parts.

The multi-layered instruments add more elements that keep the songs dynamic. Though far more brilliantly, the duo perfectly breaks away from the traditional black metal mold. However, despite the change of pace, the drums seems to have a pivotal role that contrasts to the featured elements. This is to say that the aesthetics of black metal will appeal to every black metal fan and fans of symphonic metal like Therion.

On the epic final track ‘The Downfall’ the music moves between mystical, melodic themes that seem to be pushed to the forefront. The entwining of the heavy riffing weaves a bombastic and cinematic composition that takes you back to Middle-earth. The magical experience seems to surpass as it captivates the listener with lush dynamics and proceeds with epic-filled romanticism that is grand and evocative in its unique presentation of black metal.

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