Grabunhold - Frostheim

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Grabunhold is a black metal band from Germany, who formed in 2016.  Their latest release, “Frostheim,” is their second full-length album; they have also released a demo, EP and a split.

This is my first experience with Grabunhold’s music but “Frostheim,” grabbed me from the first song.  On the surface, this might seem straightforward but “Frostheim,” has a surprisingly dynamic sound.   The band’s sound is rooted in the second wave of black metal, especially the more melodic side, emanates plenty of waves of bleak, cold despair.  However, that’s only half of the band’s sound.  The other half is insanely catchy arrangements that sound somewhat folk-ish with a warm, full sound.

The band doesn’t live in one world or the other—they embrace them so fully, seamlessly, and effortlessly, that “Frostheim,” reveals itself to be a very balanced yet adventurous album that is never afraid to dive into a world that’s black and grey but with splashes of melancholic color for rich, vibrantly detailed songs that are as visceral as they are majestic.

The opening song, “Der Tod wohnt in Carn Dûm,” enchants with serene, clean instrumentation that’s mixed with the air of tragedy.   The sound is pretty dense, filled with groovy riffs, catchy harmonies, and rock-solid drumming.   But it also makes sense and each moment is used to set up for the next passage.  Case in point, is the half mark that is massive in scope but simple in execution.

If this opening song showed off how colorful and clever the band can be with black metal then “Der Mondturm,” opens with a fury that carries like the North winds.  Searing riffs, pervasive drumming, and crushing bass followed by howling screams.  For nearly three minutes, this song hits hard and fast….then dives into a melodic fray that just won’t leave my head.  The groove and destruction return near the end for a bombastic finish.  

“Schreckenszauber,” is another banger of a song with a guitar tone that is straight up evil.  The tone goes hand in hand with the production, which is quite clear throughout the album although it still retains the seething grit the genre needs. These combines groove and melodic guitar licks in equal measure, and the bass stands out very well.  

The final song, “Eärnurs Verderben,” is the longest at just under 8 and a half minutes length.  This longer structure lets the band truly flesh out their ideas to the fullest—this one is definitely my favorite on the album.  The atmosphere is wide open, like undertaking a huge quest where the possibilities are endless.  This one has a lot of sorrow on it and that hits just as hard as the aggressive parts, if not more so.  

Grabunhold’s “Frostheim,” is one of the better surprises this month for me personally and I find it to be a captivating listen and one that is very rewarding.  If you’re craving black metal that doesn’t forget its roots but also isn’t afraid to use its imagination, then this album needs to be on your radar. 

Rating:  Great









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