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As stated above, this is northern black metal, with a distinct Austrian sound to it. Sounds very much like Abigor, of course in no small part due to the fact that Silenius does vocals on almost all of Abigor's albums. Drums and production are lo-fi, sound like Darkthrone ala "Under a Funeral Moon" era. But the melodies are very different. Medieval sounding at many points, though very aggressive and yes, there are numerous blast beat sections. Keyboards are almost non-existent, only used to pepper intense moments. Drums are sloppy, on purpose i think, but they only add to the sound. All in all i would say this is Abigor meets under a funeral moon with a medieval atmosphere thrown in.

Looking over this review, however, i believe i have failed to capture the excellence of what I hold to be one of the greatest, emotional, and most innovative black metal albums ever recorded. Silenius' vocals are one of the BEST vocal performances EVER in bm, screams are very impassioned, never unemotional. Music is alternately and simultaneously driving, rhythmic, rocking, chaotic sounding yet wonderful structure overall (i.e. excellent song compositions). Bascially, an Abigor album, not really a Summoning one, so far fans of Abigor, this is a must (though as I have said this can be sloppy (in a good bm way) and not tight and slick as hell like Abigor). Not for CoF and Dummy Burger poseurs. There are no keyboards here. (I should add at this point that Summoning, ALL Summoning, is my favorite band, so I am not prejudiced against keyboards, just when they are used poorly [i.e. gothic cheezy schmaltz (i'm so sad... and horny... boo hoo my dark mistress)]) Nor is this for fans of "modern 'black metal'" like newer Emperor and Satyricon (which is not really bm) as it is sloppy and vicious, not trying to be technical and intellectual. Don't think this album isn't innovative, however... it is. But only for fans of true lo-fi evil medieval Sauron-worship black metal. Buy this... it rocks and Silenius' vocals will tear The Shire (and your ears) to shreds. [Imports don't really exist, btw. Take that to mean what you will].


Fantastic Majestic Medieval Unholy Hymn   December 31, 2000
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

This first official album of Summoning is not for everyone. If you like other Summoning cd's, then it's worth the try. Lugburz is fast, dynamic, and majestic with grinding guitar riff and howling voices. This is definitely the most unholy and dirty Summoning's work. The low sound quality somehow helps to add a particular black metalish flavor to the atmosphere. It's equivalent to "Wrath of The Tyrant" by Emperor. If you declare yourself as a black metal fun, then this cd must belong to you. Get it today! (but not from here).

RIP


Pure "Tolkienish" Black Metal   January 27, 2004
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

I finally got this historic cd today. This is a sort of black metal I've never heard before. The songs send you through the firely plains of gorgoroth in Mordor and through forests of darkness! Trifixion's drums are insane, while Protector's Nazgul-like vocals send ice blasts through your ears and Silenius' guitar sounds like a bilion swarms of bees coming your way! This is absolutely a black metal masterpiece that ALL black metal lovers should own! Truely a worth every penny cd


Summoning at their raw, edgy best.   January 17, 2003
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

I own several Summoning cds, and I can't say that I've been particularly enthralled by this band as a whole. Their later albums have their moments, but tend to be ponderous and drawn out at points. The first thing those who've only heard their recent music will notice about "Lugburz" is that it's unambiguously a black metal album: raw, trebly, of a "northern" style. Not to say that it's generic: the medievalisms are already in place, but the use of keyboards is restricted to short interludes. For the most part, the spacious atmosphere is embodied in a masterful use tremelo picking and undoubtedlty the most reverb-saturated vocals I've ever heard on a black metal album. The fact that Silenius opts for a Vikernes-like throat-ripping howl over the somewhat more restrained delivery he employed during his tenure with Abigor only adds to the vast sonic space of this exploration of the primitively epic. As others have pointed out, the drumming is a bit sloppy, but seemingly on purpose. It fits in nicely with "Lugburz"'s jagged architecture. Trifixion of the Horned King slams the tubs with forceful conviction, fortified with yet more reverb. Of course, beginning with their next album, Summoning would start using programmed beats, pile on the keys, and sand the edges off the guitar tone. These later albums are decent (if a bit overrated, in my opinion), but "Lugburz" channels Protector's and Silenius's epic leanings into an invigoratingly raw context.