Numenor - Colossal Darkness
Though this band seems to have been originally influenced by Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings saga in much the same way that Summoning was, the content of Colossal Darkness appears to be entirely inspired by Michael Moorcock’s Eternal Champion series. The Eternal Champion concept was interesting in that it wasn’t an actual series of books but a combination of novels and characters that were interrelated. Most fantasy literature nerds, such as myself, will know Elric and his soul drinking sword, Stormbringer, right away, but there were many others. Each protagonist in Moorcock’s writing was the reincarnation of the Eternal Champion, and since each character existed in a different era, there were almost infinite possibilities when it came to where the stories could go. Realistically, books in the Eternal Champion series could be futuristic or primitive or anywhere in between. It also allowed for a lot of crossovers where different characters from the various novels could interact with each other in one or more of the fantasy worlds that Moorcock created. While a lot of Moorcock’s work wasn’t as epic as Tolkien’s, it’s still fertile ground for a band like Numenor to explore. Musically, Colossal Darkness isn’t quite as epic as Summoning, but there are times when they come close, such as on “The Sailor on the Seas of Fate.” Most of the time, the band is more akin to a Power Metal version of Dimmu Borgir. The music is generally Symphonic Black Metal, but the guitar-work reflects a substantial Power Metal influence, particularly in the soloing and in the places where the guitar is the primary instrument. The combination of this Power Metal influence and the Symphonic Black Metal style creates an interesting and dynamic range of musical output. Like the Eternal Champion series itself, it allows Numenor to go a lot of places within the realms of Metal. If there is one thing that the band needs, though, it’s some more punch in their music. It might have something to do with the production, but I thought that the guitars needed more prominence and power. Also, more powerful keyboards, which are already nice and loud but should sound “bigger.” Things are just a little bit too ethereal here. Colossal Darkness is still a good album with some interesting music and ideas. If Numenor can put a bit more power into their delivery, they’ll be a band to look out for.
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