Centred on the downfall of Númenor in the Second Age of Tolkien’s legendarium, “Akallabêth“, the monumental new album from US duo ANFAUGLIR, is a cinematic Black Metal epic spanning over three millennia of prosperity, conquest and ruin. Over four vast and dynamic tracks, the band weaves a narrative-driven symphonic tapestry which encompasses immortality, spiritual greed and the slow ebb of hope.
Four days ahead of official release, ANFAUGLIR now unveil the full album stream on DMP‘s YouTube channel. Listen here:
ANFAUGLIR relay the inspirations behind “Akallabêth“:
“With “Akallabêth” we go beyond a simple historical recounting of Tolkien’s tales. We explore the characters, speak their language and muse on the existential questions faced. There’s a depth here that can be missed if you don’t peel back the layers. As for our decision to build the concept around Tolkien’s works, the passion was born upon discovering J.R.R. Tolkien at a young age. It was an instantaneous recognition of creativity and world building that initially drew us into Middle-earth and kept us there ever since. It’s such a diverse world to invest one’s time and thoughts, making it the perfect backdrop to create our epic music in.
Since the second wave, Black Metal has had a rich history of dwelling in the agony and ecstasy. The additional orchestral instrumentation allows us to push those boundaries to great distances. Given the source material we’re working with it feels like the right palette to use in our compositions.“
“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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