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The German artist GALVORNHATHOL is ready to come back one year after releasing the EP “H-Alpha”. The new effort, titled “III” and set to be released on March 21st, takes the listener on a journey between space and existentialism, in which the paradoxes of our lives are interpreted and questioned through astrophysical and cosmological metaphors. In order to create this voyage, GALVORNHATHOL uses the alienating sound of post-black metal and the infiniteness of space ambient.
A perfect example of what “III” will deliver is the first single “Voids”. Stream it here:
Pre-order “III” on Bandcamp: https://bit.ly/4aX0vnB
The song is based on the Olber’s Paradox (an argument in astrophysics and physical cosmology saying that the darkness of the night sky conflicts with the assumption of an infinite and eternal static universe) that we live in an ever expanding/evolving Universe – turned human, this means: Not giving up hope. Or not. As one's darkest of places can evolve into a nursery of creativity and determination.
“III” concludes the trilogy that started with the conveniently titled “I” (2020). A journey from the earth, to below the clouds and now to the stellar realm of stars and galaxies. Tinged with metaphors for the facets of human life, encased in an interstellar poem of the matter, dark and light, all round us, that we call “nature”. Providing an uneducated guess of what our future might hold, providing we keep living our present, the listener might come to the conclusion that, while we are able to observe objects that are millions of lightyears away, we refrain from looking ahead into our own time to come. Whatever the future might hold; onwards. Ad Astra.
Influenced by life, nature and the consciousness within, the music of GALVORNHATHOL remains musically and lyrically on the simple side. The songs are based on poems and aphorisms, about the intertwining connections of spiritualism (non-religious) and nature. The project name comes from Tolkien’s Sindarin script and can probably be translated as “(dark) metal axe”. A contrast between the man-made world (axe, iron) and the nature- and spiritualism-focused lyrics.
Dating back to the earlier years of the new millenium, GALVORNHATHOL turned from a more fantasy-focused and doom-laden sound, to a more straightforward but still rough and playful soundscape. The oldest song dates back to 2003 (the 'Lord Of The Rings' inspired “Path Of The Undead”) and was a forerunner for the later, faster paced melodicism, while the more recent tracks starting from “H-Alpha” EP to “III” soften the edge, while keeping the basic spirit and the self-made lo-fi character alive. After both (currently re-released as remastered & remixed versions) “I”, its nature-focused and “II“, the (personal) growth-focused predecessors, “III” comes to terms with the aforementioned subjects. Providing closure to a journey from the earth to the stellar realm of space, the last part of this trilogy sums up our human condition and dares to provide a faint look into the future.
Tracklist:
1. Voids
2. The Hunter
3. Spirals
4. Sternentanz
5. Neptun
6. Long Way Home
7. Andromeda
8. Nebulae
9. Laniakea
10. Solaris
11. Asymptote
“III” was written, recorded, mixed and mastered by C. The artwork was also made by C.
FFO's: Alcest, Secrets of the Moon, Tribulation, Thou, Ulver, Lantlos, October Tide, Jesu, Hum, Deafhaven, Saturnus, MØL, Eternal Tears Of Sorrow, In Mourning, Obsequaie, Rotting Christ, Thy Catafalque, Winterfylleth
GALVORNHATHOL is:
C. - Everything
GALVORNHATHOL Online:
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“A mightily satisfying obsidian slab of Post Metal. C’s vocals are visceral and vital as he howls and screams yet still retains some control over his voice, and the music is just heavier than a galactic supercluster, yet with mournful and affecting melodies swimming just below the surface of pure, unadulterated distortion.” - Ever-Metal (2024, H-Alpha)
“To be listened to carefully, it can move even the hardest hearts.” - Heavymetal Webzine (2024, H-Alpha)
“A nice example of black metal of the atmospheric and lighter genre. This interesting album deserves a label deal.” - Snoozecontrol (2022, II)
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