Akallabêth by Anfauglir

ANFAUGLIR was forged by US 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 aim to match the source material's scope and grandeur with unique cinematic compositions which transport listeners directly to Middle-earth.

Originally active 2004-2010, when they released cult 2008 debut album "Hymns over Anfauglith", ANFAUGLIR are now resurrected in glorious style to unleash a new suite of rousing, emotive and triumphant longform manifestations of a legendary mystical world.

Avoiding traditional song structures, the immaculately-produced new opus "Akallabêth" - meaning 'The Downfallen' in Adûnaic, the language of Tolkein's Númenoreans - is written and arranged in the vein of a traditional classical symphony. Themes and melodies develop, recur and transform, entwining delicately rapturous motifs with violent tragedy through the vastness of multi-layered orchestration, choral majesty, evocative chamber-work and sweeping Black Metal.

A concept album based on Tolkein's books "The Silmarillion" and "Unfinished Tales", "Akallabêth" is set in the Second Age of Arda and follows the rise and fall of Númenor, an island kingdom gifted to the race of men by the Valar, the gods of Middle-earth. The record recounts the triumphs, tragedies and turmoils of the Númenoreans as they inescapably sink towards catastrophic ruin. From godly gifts to bombastic wars, this beautifully dynamic and mesmerising album spans more than 3000 years of prosperity, conquest and upheaval.