Originally active 2004 to 2010, US symphonic Black Metal band ANFAUGLIR make a triumphant return this June with their second album, “Akallabêth“. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aims to match the source material’s scope and grandeur with unique cinematic compositions which transport listeners directly to Middle-earth.
Tracklist:
01. The Rise of Númenor
02. The Inevitable Truths of Time
03. Defying the Doom of Men
04. The Downfall
Album cover artwork: Jorge Jacinto
Logo and title calligraphy: Pierluca Albanese
Layout: Yurii Kazarian – Into The Abyss Design
ANFAUGLIR comment on the cover artwork:
“The cover depicts the wrath of Ilúvatar descending upon the island of Númenor in the shape of a colossal wave, devouring sceptre and peasant alike. Its memory, its glory and all mortal wills sink down below the fading light and are lost forever, save for nine ships swept away from the downfall.“
The album was recorded at Utumno Studios and mixed at Angband Studios. Greg Chandler (ESOTERIC, LYCHGATE) handled the mastering.
The album consists of four opulent and dynamic compositions which all clock in at over 10 minutes. ANFAUGLIR present a short excerpt entitled ‘Part I: The Temple of Melkor‘, taken from the third track ‘Defying the Doom of Men‘. Listen via Bandcamp and on the label’s YouTube channel:
The excerpt illustrates the track’s vast, orchestral journey through the depths of the Númenórean universe. Sweeping strings, war-torn choirs, and thundering blasts coalesce into a cinematic odyssey evoking both grandeur and inevitable downfall.
ANFAUGLIR had this to say about the initial glimpse into their second album:
“With this album covering a large swath of emotions throughout, it was hard to pinpoint what would be the best sample to debut. With ‘The Temple of Melkor’, we feel it offers a glimpse at the frenetic, yet grandiose arrangements within the album. From the ritualistic procession, to the carnage of blind rabid possession – what better way to introduce our release to the world?
Lyrically, this is probably the darkest part of “Akallabêth” in which the dark lord, Sauron, makes his way to the island of Númenor and starts corrupting the mind of the king, Ar-Pharazôn, and those loyal to him. The ‘King’s Men’ construct the giant Temple of Melkor in order to worship the former dark lord and instate the practice of human sacrifice upon those ‘Faithful’ who oppose them. Tragically the white tree of Númenor, Nimloth, is chopped down and burned upon the altar, signalling the beginning of the end.“
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“Akallabêth” is set for release on June 27th on CD and vinyl – including an exclusive DMP vinyl edition – and will be accompanied by a new t-shirt design by Luciana Nedelea. Pre-orders are possible via the label’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.
ANFAUGLIR was forged by 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 aims to match the scope and grandeur of the source material with their unique and cinematic compositions, transporting listeners to Middle-earth.
ANFAUGLIR are proud to partner with Debemur Morti Productions to bring their full-length album “Akallabêth“, a deluge of symphonic fury infused with discordant aggression and spellbinding tranquility, to light in 2025.
Shying away from traditional song structures, “Akallabêth” is written and arranged in the vein of a traditional symphony. Themes and melodies develop, recur and transform, entwining delicate motifs of rapture with tragedy, throughout the course of the album’s 4 monumental tracks.
Centering on the downfall of Númenor from the second age of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, death, immortality and spiritual avarice weave the narrative thread creating a tapestry rich in conflict, emotion and sinking hope. From godly gifts to bombastic wars, the album spans more than 3000 years of prosperity, conquest and upheaval.