i'm not a fan of Tolkien's writings, not as epic stories anyway, but there are some moods in his books that i like, and at least some parts are a joy to read just for the way they are written. But Summoning has really taken everything i consider best in Tolkien and interpreted it in a magnificent way (i must not be the only one who wishes Summoning would have been used on the movie soundtrack).

This is quite different from their earlier albums. Minas Morgul didn't make much of an impression a couple of years ago (maybe now it would?), but this hit me already back then. The melodies are beautiful, the songs are epic also in length, and there's a distinct sense of melancholic resignation, bordering on depression.

The music relies heavily on synthesizers and the guitars are supportive. In some twisted sort of way the electronic sounding drums give a sense of unreality to the atmosphere. It's very much layered; the compositions become quite majestic at times, and the sound is very clear.

The album just goes on and on relentlessly. This always changes my mood into something more passive and disassociated from everything. Sort of like a desire to lie down under the veil of night and clouds, and fade away. But it's not perfect. Perhaps it's a bit too long, i hardly ever want to listen through the entire album. And the mood it gives is not always desirable, but tiresome and can be headache-inducing. When i do have enough energy to take it, it's wonderful.

And "Over Old Hills..." is probably their best song ever.

© 2003 rotblood