Gràb - Kremess (2025)

Unleashing an elegant and masterful piece of Black Metal, today we have Germany’s Gràb and their sophomore release “Kremess”. Clocking in at nearly one hour of music, this release is full of excellent details that ooze melancholy and somberness alongside traditional BM elements, making each one of its eight tracks a true listening experience. If you like bands like Agalloch, (old) Ulver, Winterfylleth, and Empyrium, this is one release you should not miss.

Opening with “Waidler” the band sets a very raw and yet atmospheric tone with harsh shrieks and ravaging guitar riffs that suddenly transport the listener to the early, and fiercest, days of Black Metal. However, there is always a melancholy infusion into the band’s music that keeps things far from ‘standard’ and provides them a signature style. On the album’s title track, we get a more somber approach with haunting atmospherics and dulcimer action, while the track quickly transforms with magical keyboards and a solemn pace that feels very visceral.

In another example of perfect balance between the band’s aggressive core and atmospheric brilliance, “Kerkemoasta” showcases their ability to weave between different styles across passages, while delivering an excellent listening experience. The Empyrium-esque “Im Hexnhoiz (A Weihraz-Gschicht, Kapitel Oans)” is definitely one of the most melancholic and masterfully crafted songs we have heard in quite a while, filled with melancholic atmospherics, a hypnotic pace and classical string instruments alongside deep clean vocals (courtesy of Thomas Helm from Empyrium and Noekk).

As the release closes with the tour-de-force of “Dà letzte Winter”, we are left quite impressed by the quality and craftsmanship behind “Kremess”. There are tons of very interesting ideas here and they are all masterfully executed to create a very powerful, diverse, and gripping release. Each song has its own magic and draws the listener from start to end, be it melodic elements, lush instrumentation, or just fierce rawness, they all deserve ample time to be digested. Do not miss out on such a great release.

Label: Prophecy Productions

Release: February 21st, 2025

Genre: Black Metal

Country: Germany