ANFAUGLIR was forged by US multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss as an exploration in storytelling through epic symphonic Black Metal. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aim to match the source material’s scope and grandeur with unique cinematic compositions which transport listeners directly to Middle-earth.
As a second portal into the monumental new album “Akallabêth“, ANFAUGLIR unveil ‘Part III: The Gift of Men‘, an excerpt from the larger composition ‘The Rise of Númenor‘. The piece begins with a solemn prelude which unfolds into wistful melancholy, before ascending toward a soaring orchestral crescendo in an immense convergence of grief and grandeur.
Listen via YouTube and Bandcamp:
ANFAUGLIR comments:
“The writing process usually starts with a piano sketch of the basic melody and harmony for a given idea. From there we play with that motif and see what directions it can go and how flexible it is. Can we make it work in a slow and melancholic scenario as well as something upbeat and powerful? Then we’ll orchestrate it out across different instruments depending on the mood and demands of the section of the song where it’s going to end up. Our goal is to develop themes for specific characters or places and then be able to work them into certain parts of the story where relevant. A good example of this from ‘Part III: The Gift of Men‘ is the very end of this section. The final piano melody is what we call the “Ban of the Valar” theme. It’s introduced here for the first time on the album but will also feature towards the end of the third track, ‘Defying the Doom of Men‘, because of its role and significance in the story in both places.“
With this piece, ANFAUGLIR continue their mythic odyssey through the downfall of Númenor, where fate, pride, and mortality converge in sound. The band reflects:
“‘The Rise of Númenor‘ accounts for the early days and establishment of the realm of Númenor. These golden years represent the promise and potential heights that the race of the Edain might ascend to. In ‘Part III: The Gift of Men‘ we’re introducing the concept of the Gift of Men, which is death. The mortality of men and the ability to leave the world of Arda behind after passing away is the gift given to their race by Ilúvatar. While it’s portrayed to them as a blessing by the Valar and Eldar, the men who receive this gift begin to question its value. Fear of the unknown and what lies beyond slowly creep into their minds. This struggle with death and mortality is at the heart of the album and is ultimately what propels the story to its climactic end.“
Listen to the first single – ‘Part I: The Temple of Melkor‘ taken from the track “Defying the Doom of Men” – here and on all streaming platforms!
“Akallabêth” is set for release on June 27th on CD and vinyl – including an exclusive DMP vinyl edition – and will be accompanied by a new t-shirt design by Luciana Nedelea. Pre-orders are possible via the label’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.
ANFAUGLIR was forged by multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss as an exploration in storytelling through epic symphonic Black Metal. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aims to match the scope and grandeur of the source material with their unique and cinematic compositions, transporting listeners to Middle-earth.
ANFAUGLIR are proud to partner with Debemur Morti Productions to bring their full-length album “Akallabêth“, a deluge of symphonic fury infused with discordant aggression and spellbinding tranquility, to light in 2025.
Shying away from traditional song structures, “Akallabêth” is written and arranged in the vein of a traditional symphony. Themes and melodies develop, recur and transform, entwining delicate motifs of rapture with tragedy, throughout the course of the album’s 4 monumental tracks.
Centering on the downfall of Númenor from the second age of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, death, immortality and spiritual avarice weave the narrative thread creating a tapestry rich in conflict, emotion and sinking hope. From godly gifts to bombastic wars, the album spans more than 3000 years of prosperity, conquest and upheaval.
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