Summoning
Minas Morgul


5.0
classic


Release Date: 1995 | Tracklist

Review Summary: ONE RING TO RULE THEM ALL!

Black metal geeks everywhere rejoiced when Summoning burst onto the scene in the early 90s. If you think about it, the entire second wave of black metal was pretty much a bunch of outcasts that took to painting their faces and humping snow covered trees as a way of expressing themselves. Summoning may have been the geekiest of the bunch. They were the first Lord of the Rings themed metal band (that I can think of) and their bombastic symphonic arrangements and programmed drums ushered in an entire new sound to the black metal genre.

Minas Morgul is Summoning’s second full length album and it is also their best. Protector and Silenius toyed with the sound that they would perfect here on their debut album Lugburz but there were plenty of kinks to work out. While still great in its own right, the debut was just a bit too messy. Minas Morgul has no such issues. This entire album is an epic journey through the lands of Middle Earth. The keyboards soar triumphantly at the forefront, making you feel as if you’re side by side with Frodo and Gandalf about to slay a drooling troll. Take the intro to The Passing of the Grey Company for example. You’re enticed by the peaceful Middle Ages dungeon synth-esque keys as a peasant beggar is enticed by a warm loaf of bread in a dreary village. The riffage is very much in the background (as it always is with Summoning), but the melodic trems mixed with the cloudy epicness of the synths just makes the overall experience all the more epic. The drums here are almost tribal in a sense. Not many blast beats to be found here. It’s almost as if the drumming itself is the footsteps of the company trying to pass through to the dark land of Mordor. Silenius’ vocal performance here is also absolutely incredible and one of the main highlights. His hoarse screeches echo mightily from a distance, sounding as if Sauron is shouting obscenities to Frodo and friends as they inch closer and closer to his dark empire.

What makes Minas Morgul Summoning’s crowning achievement, and one of the best black metal albums ever in general, is just how damn triumphant it really is. You can talk about “epic” all you want, but Minas Morgul is the very definition of epic. You will not find another album or band that can depict the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy better than Summoning. Their ability to transport you right into the fire of the intense journey through the trials and tribulations of Frodo’s company is simply astounding. Almost 30 years later, Minas Morgul has cemented its legacy as the best fantasy inspired black metal album ever made.



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user ratings (407)
4.1
excellent
other reviews of this album
Silenius (4.5)
...



Comments:Add a Comment 
Hawks
May 30th 2024


93615 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

One of my fav albums ever and the original review is almost 20 years old so figured I'd update. M///

Digging: Black Curse - Burning in Celestial Poison

Rastapunk
May 30th 2024


1584 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Yes, one of my favorite band!

Hawks
May 30th 2024


93615 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Hell yeah bro!

Pikazilla
May 30th 2024


31198 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

lol

Hawks
May 30th 2024


93615 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

????????

Frost15
May 30th 2024


3622 Comments


I need to return to my Summoning quest asap. I only completely listened to Lugburz (which was quite meh), Nightshade EP (which was pretty good) and Stronghold (which rules hard). I listened to some individual songs also, and I really liked them so...

Hawks
May 30th 2024


93615 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Nightshade, Stronghold and Dol Guldur are all essential. I dig all Summoning except Oath Bound and LMHSYF.

NightOnDrunkMountain
Contributing Reviewer
May 30th 2024


841 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Marching Homewards made me like this band

Digging: Black Curse - Burning in Celestial Poison

Hawks
May 30th 2024


93615 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

That was the first Summoning song I ever heard so same!

Dizchu
May 30th 2024


616 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

What made Summoning click for me was realizing that they're a medieval darkwave band with goblin vocals rather than a black metal band with really loud keyboards.

Frost15
May 30th 2024


3622 Comments


I don't mind the later if it's good but yeah, that's a way to see it haha

Rastapunk
May 30th 2024


1584 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Yeah it's pretty softer and slower black metal, but the atmosphere is great!





Pikazilla
May 30th 2024


31198 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

this band is the best dungeon synth band with tremolololz

artificialbox
Contributing Reviewer
May 30th 2024


2662 Comments


I’m a simple man.
I see LotR reference, I click.

Digging: Elias Ronnenfelt - Heavy Glory

WatchItExplode
May 30th 2024


10516 Comments


I had never listened to this one. You are right it rules m/

DrGonzo1937
Staff Reviewer
May 30th 2024


18497 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Band slaps

Sevengill
May 30th 2024


12483 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

yeah this review makes me want to give this another go



"They were the first Lord of the Rings themed metal band (that I can think of)" well, I mean, Burzum, but...y'know

Digging: Gigan - Anomalous Abstractigate Infinitessimus

Ladron93
May 30th 2024


312 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I still listen to this album a few times.

budgie
May 30th 2024


38237 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

lost tapes best summoning

Hawks
May 30th 2024


93615 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Hell yeah bros love y'all!! M///



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