SUMMONING is an atmospheric black metal band based in Austria, having evolved in sound since 1993, with a running theme of Tolkien-inspired ambience. After their last full-length release "Old Mornings Dawn" in 2013, and the single "With Doom I Come" in 2017, SUMMONING's listeners anticipate their new full-length release "With Doom We Come", on Jan 5th of 2018. Having collected Summoning's past albums, I looked forward to listening to their new release, having only heard their single "With doom I come" as a taster.

"Tar-Calion" is the first track, beginning with a repeated guitar riff that seems to descend, and ascend up the fretboard, as if in a spiral. Repeating through the whole song, we are confronted with brass, and flute which subtly follow the main melody. "Silvertine" has another repeated, catchy guitar melody, with subtle choir vocals adding to the depth of the chord changes. Gripping, gasping harsh vocals come in shortly and lead the way into the song. Timpani accompanies a full drum-kit, as high-pitched chimes add a layer of melancholic melody. "Herumor" begins with a mystical melody on what sounds like a muted, wet guitar, reinforced by the tapping of toms, with textured, throaty vocals that sing a poetic lyric. Harpsicord-like keys take the melody further, before vocals step in with greater volume and impact. Nearing the end of the track, clean vocals unite in a choral chant, mimicking one of the ethereal melodies.

"Mirklands" begins with a piano introduction, echoing out as if we were in a cave. Vocals are mournful, following the rhythm steadily. In contrast, a dark progression is set out by the guitars, sharpened with the highlights of harpsicords, making me visualise a white beam of moonlight shining into a cave. The final track "With Doom I Come" is the longest in length on the album, having been previously released as a single in 2017. I think this is the strongest song on the album, as the progressing instruments, and repeated chorus bring power to it. Towards the end of the song, clean vocals sing the chorus melody like an epic ballad, bringing the album to a finale, closed with flutes that echo on the main melody, then foreboding grunts, and the heavy thud of a door.

Listening to the full album "With Doom I Come", I found it to be heavily atmospheric, maybe more so than SUMMONING's previous albums. I think there is something different about the guitar riffs, which sound unique, yet repetitive - adding to the sense of mystical trance in the album. Synth sound effects are used subtly, yet consistently, creating imaginative images in the music's atmosphere, inspired by Tolkien's sagas and myths.