I am a newcomer to Summoning's brand of Epic Black Metal and it honestly took more than a couple of spins for the band's 2013 album Old Mornings Dawn to sink in. But after a while the combination of the slow, almost Doom tempos, buzzing guitars and raspy vocals with the medieval instrumentation (even though it is programmed, as are the drums) just started to click. The music changed from simply songs to atmospheres and I would often find myself imagining stories to go along with the soundtrack Summoning created. It is no secret the band draws substantial inspiration from the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and I can easily picture the men of Gondor marching to the Black Gate to "Caradhras." By the time the clean choirs kick in you can almost see the glint of steel in their eyes and feel the fire of determination in their hearts. Then the view changes and you're on the side of the Orcs as they prepare for battle, marching to the kettle drums on "Of Pale White Morn," their bodies and their wills twisted by the malevolent evil that controls them.

Old Mornings Dawn is made for brooding contemplation and while some of the medieval instruments don't carry enough weight and sound out of place at times, the entire album is deeply layered and artfully played. It is an experience well worth your time.