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One day in advance of the release, GRÀB stream their new album “Kremess” (English ‘funeral feast’, German “Leichenschmaus”) exclusively via the YouTube channel Black Metal Promotion today, at 18:30 CET. The sophomore full-length of the Bavarian black metal duo has been chalked up for hitting stores on February 21, 2025.
GRÀB comment: “Our new album “Kremess” explores the fascination with death and the denial of life, as well as the search for strength through solitude”, vocalist and lyricist Grànt reveals. “The emotional emptiness caused by human beings plays a significant role in the album. This is also evident in the album artwork, which depicts the Grim Reaper serving an empty plate to a child that is awaiting death. ‘Kremess’ literally translates to ‘funeral feast’ and in this context Death serves emptiness to the child. The reaper’s message is: ‘This is all that awaits you in life – emptiness. Follow me into the night, and you shall be free from it’. The artwork is supposed to represent a childhood image of me. I sent an old image from my childhood to the cover artist Benjamin König. He painted the younger me as if death was waiting for me. I had already been confronted with death as a child, which gave birth to this concept. ‘Kremess’ sounds intentionally different from ‘Zeitlang’. It is more playful and multifaceted. We wanted to capture a sense of nostalgia, not just as a homage to ’90s Black Metal’ but also as a recollection of childhood days. In this way, the artwork is closing a circle.” |
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Tracklist
1. Waidler 2. Kremess 3. Kerkermoasta 4. Im Hexnhoiz 5. Vom Gråb im Moos 6. Deifeszeig 7. Waldeinsamkeit 8. Dà letzte Winter |
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GRÀB offer both, continuity and change, on their sophomore full-length “Kremess”. The Bavarian black metal project founded by vocalist Grànt continues to revolve lyrically around tales and traditions narrated in the local dialect of Germany’s southernmost Alpine state: Bavaria. “Kremess” means ‘funeral feast’ in that language and death plays a leading role on this album.
Musically, GRÀB still feature a prominent traditional instrument of their region, the hammered dulcimer. This gets combined with particularly Norwegian strands of black metal such as early GEHENNA, ULVER, and DARKTHRONE as well as taking inspiration from German pioneers of the genre namely NAGELFAR and LUNAR AURORA. Adding to the local sonic colours are many fresh ideas and sounds that came with English guitarist Gnàst, who has replaced previous main songwriter Grain in the meantime. A host of guest musicians including members of EMPYRIUM, TRIPTYKON, and DARK FORTRESS among others has further enhanced the musical spectrum.
GRÀB were conceived by former DARK FORTRESS frontman Grànt who wanted to bring a particularly Bavarian expression to black metal. The use of vernacular elements in this harsh style of music emerged early in its formation in Scandinavia when such bands as ENSLAVED and BORKNAGAR took inspiration from local history, language, legends, and sounds. This soon evolved into a global phenomenon in black metal with examples ranging from Romania’s NEGURĂ BUNGET to Cascadian USBM pioneers WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM.
With “Kremess”, GRÀB are infusing Bavarian black metal with new power that is bound to expand their growing empire far beyond the borders of their homeland. |
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Artist: Gràb Album title: Kremess Style: Bavarian Black Metal Release date: February 21, 2025 Label: Prophecy Productions Review Impact Date: January 27, 2025 Line-up |
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GRÀB stream new album “Kremess” via Black Metal Promotion today
