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 is scheduled for release 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.”
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 colors 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.
When Grànt joined forces with guitarist and songwriter Grain in 2015, the project took off for real. The chosen name GRÀB means “old and grey” in Bavarian dialect and is not to be confused with the German word for grave, “Grab”. The collaboration between the two members resulted in the release of the debut full-length “Zeitlang” in 2021. “Zeitlang” channelled the black metal spirit of the early 90s much to the delight of both critics and fans.
Originally never intended to perform live, GRÀB nonetheless gave their debut on stage at Prophecy Fest 2023. This show was intended to remain solitary, but this position has evolved towards an openness to play more concerts in future.
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.
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
Grànt – vocals & Bavarian poetry
Gnàst – guitars, bass, synthesizer, songwriting
Guest musicians
Markus Stock – additional synths & choirs on several tracks, dulcimer on ‘Leere’
Thomas Helm – choirs on ‘Im Hexnhoiz’, ‘Deifeszeig’
Victor Bullok – guitar solo on ‘Dà letzte Winter’
Florian ‘Morean’ Magnus Maier – undertone vocals on ‘Waidler’
Komalé Akakpo – composed & played most dulcimer parts on several tracks
Peter Honsalek – composed & played viola on ‘Im Hexnhoiz’
Johanna Rehm – flute on ‘Vom Grab im Moos’
Recording by Markus Stock at Klangschmiede Studio E, Mellrichstadt (DE)
Mix & Mastering by Markus Stock at Klangschmiede Studio E, Mellrichstadt (DE)
Artwork by Benjamin König (Sperber Illustrationen)
Layout by Dan Capp
Available formats
“Kremness” is available as a 48-page 2CD hardcover artbook, Gatefold black vinyl 2LP, Gatefold crystal clear vinyl 2LP, Gatefold solid ‘gold’ vinyl 2LP only in ltd. bundle incl. artbook & other items, and as Digipak CD.