Krigsgrav | Stormcaller | Willowtip Records

 

    Krigsgrav (Swedish for “War Grave”) is a long-standing band from Dallas, Texas, active since the mid-2000s. Over time, they have developed a style that merges atmospheric black metal and doom, drawing from both melodic and desolate sounds. With seven albums behind them, the band has built a dedicated underground following. “Stormcaller” marks their eighth full-length and first release on Willowtip Records, one of the most respected labels in extreme metal. The current line-up features Justin Coleman on guitar and harsh vocals, David Sikora on drums and clean vocals, Wes Radvansky on bass, and Cody Daniels on lead guitar.

“Stormcaller” runs just over 51 minutes and contains eight tracks, including a guest appearance from Jens Rydén on the opening track “Huntress Of The Fire Moon.” The album is steeped in dark, storm-battered atmospheres. The guitar work balances tremolo-driven black metal passages with slower, dirge-like sections with solos and melodic lines rising above the dense instrumentation, often providing moments of tragic beauty amid the storm. The rhythm section anchors the songs with a sense of gravity. The drums, natural in tone, shift seamlessly from driving blasts to slower, more deliberate pacing, giving the music its dynamic breath.

Vocals are split between harsh growls and some clean singing (in two songs actually), adding dimension and variation across the album. The harsh vocals carry a raw edge suited to the heavier moments, while the clean sections bring a mournful, almost ritualistic tone. Both styles are delivered with conviction and avoid feeling overused. The production balances rawness with detail, allowing both extreme and melodic elements to coexist. 

The atmosphere remains consistent throughout—windswept, mournful, and charged with a sense of impending violence. The songwriting favors long-form structures, allowing themes to build and evolve gradually. Tracks like "Bay Of The Barghest", “None Shall Remember Your Name” and “Womb-Death-Dawn” unfold over extended runtimes, offering shifts between intensity and quiet reflection without breaking the album’s cohesive flow.

Score: 8.0

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