heavy-metal-darkness: Trollzorn Records

Showing posts with label Trollzorn Records. Show all posts

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Obscurity |Ascheregen |Trollzorn Records

Release Date: 29.01.2026
Format: CD/LP/Digital
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Country: Germany

Obscurity started back in the late 90s in the Bergisch Land and never played the tourist in extreme metal. Ten albums deep now, this is a band built on persistence, pagan fire and a clear hatred for stagnation. Line up shifts have marked their history more than once, and "Ascheregen" arrives after another internal shake up. Founder Agalaz remains the core, steering the ship through storms of melody, frost and aggression, keeping the band grounded in its own blood soaked soil.

"Ascheregen" is rougher around the edges and that is a good thing. The melodic death and viking backbone is still there, but the black metal bite is harder this time, colder and more hostile. Riffs cut deeper, vocals sound more feral, and the whole album leans into darker territory without losing its sense of direction. Fans of "Tenkterra" and "Vintar" will recognize the spirit immediately, just sharpened and pushed into harsher weather.

The songwriting shows growth without polish creep. Songs stretch and contract naturally, built to hit hard and then linger in your head like smoke after a fire. There is more patience in how themes unfold and more aggression in how they are delivered. The guest appearance of Erik Grawsiö from Månegarm on "Rúnar Víg" adds extra gravity, especially with the German vocals, which sound grim, proud and deeply rooted.

Lyrically, "Ascheregen" walks through old Norse myth, forced faith, decay and modern collapse. It is not romantic and it is not subtle. The album reads like a long curse shouted across centuries, aimed at submission, false morality and societal rot. The concept holds together well and gives the album a darker spine that suits the harsher musical edge.

Production stays loyal to the Obscurity sound. Strong, raw and grounded, no fake shine, no plastic armor. Everything sounds forged in the same fire, and the artwork by Jan Yrlund seals the deal visually. "Ascheregen" is not a revolution, it is a solid, angry step forward that respects the past while grinding its teeth at the present.

Score: 8.0

https://www.trollzorn.de

https://www.facebook.com/trollzorn

https://www.instagram.com/trollzorn_records

https://www.obscurity-online.de

https://www.facebook.com/obscuritybergischland

https://www.instagram.com/obscurity_official

https://obscurity.bandcamp.com

Friday, September 12, 2025

Thorondir | Wächter Des Waldes | Trollzorn Records

Release Date: 9. Oct. 2025
Format: CD/Digital
Country: Germany

Formed in Bavaria in 2008, Thorondir have carved out their place in the pagan metal underground with a sound that balances the raw power of blackened riffing with anthemic folk-inspired melodies. Their debut “Düsterwald” (2009) quickly earned them recognition among fans of epic and nature-bound metal, followed by “Aus jenen Tagen” (2011). After a long break, they returned with “Des Wandrers Mär” (2019), which cemented their reputation as a band capable of storytelling on a grand scale. With their fourth album “Wächter Des Waldes”, released through Trollzorn Records, Thorondir continue their journey through forests, legends, and mythological landscapes, keeping their bond with nature at the heart of their music.

“Wächter Des Waldes” presents Thorondir at their most powerful. Across its 55 minutes, the album builds a heavy and melodic sound that travels the listener through mist-covered woods, ghostly battles, and tales of hunters and spirits. The guitar work ranges from driving tremolo riffs to grand, soaring harmonies, supported by dynamic drumming that keeps the music surging forward. Keyboards and synths enrich the atmosphere, lending the songs a cinematic touch.

Vocally, Kevin Wienerl moves between harsh growls and commanding screams, perfectly fitting the heroic and myth-laden narratives. Songs like “Blut Und Ruhm” and “Der Wilde Jäger” have a martial edge, while “Zur Alten Taverne” is more festive, echoing the drinking songs of medieval halls. The band’s ability to weave aggression and melody keeps the album engaging, with each track painting its own vivid picture.

The album’s mix creates a solid wall of sound, balancing heaviness with clarity. The result is an album powerful and immersive, with enough variation to keep the listener invested throughout its length. The cover artwork by Jan Yrlund adds to the experience, capturing the sense of mystery and timelessness that defines Thorondir’s music. Overall, “Wächter Des Waldes” is a strong release from a band that has grown into its own identity within the pagan metal scene. It is an album that will satisfy their fans and attract new listeners into its epic journey through folklore and nature.

Score: 8.3