The old guard strikes again! To most of you the name CROMLECH might say little, but perhaps the name Eugen “Impurus” Herbst might stir old memories for lovers of European underground Metal. Impurus was in fact the drummer for DIES ATER and ALBEZ DUZ. A multifaceted artist, who has always been devoted to very interesting side-projects. CROMLECH being one of them. Started in 1994, the CROMLECH project saw an immediate stop by its sole member in order to pursue DIES ATER. At that time not even a demo was recorded, which was apparently ready. In 2023 then the awakening and so “Cold and Stiff” saw the light through Archaic Sound – a mix of songs written in 1994 and for the occasion. Building on the success of this first release, CROMLECH is now back in the limelight with “Of Owls And Eels” via Darkness Shall Rise Productions, which has been releasing quite a few gems in recent times. From the very first note you can sense that the style comes straight from the 1990s and that those who are playing have lived right through the birth of Black Metal. Even the recording in some moments sends us back to those early beginnings of the second wave of Black Metal – I think it’s an intended effect but it makes everything even more mystical. What struck me most about “Of Owls And Eels” is the sonic impact it manages to convey – you have to experience it in order to understand what I mean. There is no shortage of more atmospheric and melodic moments although the central component is a pained and screamed vocal accompanied by tremolo picking and slower moments capable of making clear how much Black Metal is able to provoke the most hidden emotions in the listener. I personally consider it one of the most successful works of 1994 – oh, sorry 2025! Go check them out! www.facebook.com/cromlechxciv, www.facebook.com/darknessshallriseproductions