Here we have an impressive work of modern Black Metal from a pretty inspired German band called SUMERIAN TOMBS. “Age Of Eternal Night” is a monumental double album with twelve tracks for more than an hour of music. To be honest, the second CD is a bit disconnected from the main opera, because it consists of four meditative tracks that reflects a fusion of Doom, Gothic and Dark. Both the vinyl and double CD edition have been released by Ván Records, the same label that launched their debut in 2022. When I talk about modern Black Metal, I mean that we’re approaching an album in which a professional sound production has a pivotal role in creating the cold and obscure atmosphere typical of this genre. So, if you’re looking for raw Black Metal, this is not your cup of tea, but if you’re into Post Black Metal acts in the vein of MGLA and ENDSTILLE, you’ll enjoy SUMERIAN TOMBS’ recipe. The focus here is a constant variation between melody, obscurity and violence, an alternation that explodes in an evil and epic form of dark mysticism. An extra point goes to the concept with both lyrics and images centered on ancient Sumerian folklore and myths, something not very original in extreme Metal, but that can have a fascinating impact on the listener, if it’s done in the right way, like in this case. The guitars are well mixed with the synth, the vocals and the drums: all is perfectly balanced in order to create a vibrating and haunting mood. SUMERIAN TOMBS present their style as vampyric Black Metal and I agree with this statement, if we consider them as a polished, modern and epic chapter in the manifesto of this micro-genre that includes bands and styles extremely different among them. To understand this concept it is enough to think that vampyrism has influenced bands that are poles apart like NECROMANTIA, CRADLE OF FILTH, BLACK FUNERAL, DROWNING THE LIGHT, LES LEGIONS NOIRES etc. Are there connections between SUMERIAN TOMBS and these bands? Not many, but all of them play vampyric Black Metal and this fact cannot be discussed. In conclusion, “Age Of Eternal Night” is a solid and well studied work, especially if your ears are into a sophisticated and contemporary sound. In contrast, this album can be hard to digest for who isn’t open to high quality production in Black Metal or Dark and Gothic oriented influences like those that can be heard in the bonus tracks of the second CD. www.facebook.com/sumeriantombs, www.facebook.com/vanrecords