Centred on the downfall of Númenor in the Second Age of Tolkien’s legendarium, “Akallabêth“, the monumental new album from US duo ANFAUGLIR, is a cinematic Black Metal epic spanning over three millennia of prosperity, conquest and ruin. Over four vast and dynamic tracks, the band weaves a narrative-driven symphonic tapestry which encompasses immortality, spiritual greed and the slow ebb of hope.

Four days ahead of official release, ANFAUGLIR now unveil the full album stream on DMP‘s YouTube channel. Listen here:

ANFAUGLIR relay the inspirations behind “Akallabêth“:

“With “Akallabêth” we go beyond a simple historical recounting of Tolkien’s tales. We explore the characters, speak their language and muse on the existential questions faced. There’s a depth here that can be missed if you don’t peel back the layers. As for our decision to build the concept around Tolkien’s works, the passion was born upon discovering J.R.R. Tolkien at a young age. It was an instantaneous recognition of creativity and world building that initially drew us into Middle-earth and kept us there ever since. It’s such a diverse world to invest one’s time and thoughts, making it the perfect backdrop to create our epic music in.

Since the second wave, Black Metal has had a rich history of dwelling in the agony and ecstasy. The additional orchestral instrumentation allows us to push those boundaries to great distances. Given the source material we’re working with it feels like the right palette to use in our compositions.“

“Akallabêth” is set for release on June 27th on CD and vinyl – including an exclusive DMP vinyl edition – and will be accompanied by a new t-shirt design by Luciana Nedelea. Pre-orders are possible via the label’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.

ANFAUGLIR was forged by multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss as an exploration in storytelling through epic symphonic Black Metal. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aims to match the scope and grandeur of the source material with their unique and cinematic compositions, transporting listeners to Middle-earth.

ANFAUGLIR are proud to partner with Debemur Morti Productions to bring their full-length album “Akallabêth“, a deluge of symphonic fury infused with discordant aggression and spellbinding tranquility, to light in 2025.

Shying away from traditional song structures, “Akallabêth” is written and arranged in the vein of a traditional symphony. Themes and melodies develop, recur and transform, entwining delicate motifs of rapture with tragedy, throughout the course of the album’s 4 monumental tracks. 

Centering on the downfall of Númenor from the second age of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, death, immortality and spiritual avarice weave the narrative thread creating a tapestry rich in conflict, emotion and sinking hope. From godly gifts to bombastic wars, the album spans more than 3000 years of prosperity, conquest and upheaval.

ANFAUGLIR was forged by US multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss as an exploration in storytelling through epic symphonic Black Metal. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aim to match the source material’s scope and grandeur with unique cinematic compositions which transport listeners directly to Middle-earth.

As a second portal into the monumental new album “Akallabêth“, ANFAUGLIR unveil ‘Part III: The Gift of Men‘, an excerpt from the larger composition ‘The Rise of Númenor‘. The piece begins with a solemn prelude which unfolds into wistful melancholy, before ascending toward a soaring orchestral crescendo in an immense convergence of grief and grandeur.

ANFAUGLIR comments:

“The writing process usually starts with a piano sketch of the basic melody and harmony for a given idea. From there we play with that motif and see what directions it can go and how flexible it is. Can we make it work in a slow and melancholic scenario as well as something upbeat and powerful? Then we’ll orchestrate it out across different instruments depending on the mood and demands of the section of the song where it’s going to end up. Our goal is to develop themes for specific characters or places and then be able to work them into certain parts of the story where relevant. A good example of this from ‘Part III: The Gift of Men‘ is the very end of this section. The final piano melody is what we call the “Ban of the Valar” theme. It’s introduced here for the first time on the album but will also feature towards the end of the third track, ‘Defying the Doom of Men‘, because of its role and significance in the story in both places.“

With this piece, ANFAUGLIR continue their mythic odyssey through the downfall of Númenor, where fate, pride, and mortality converge in sound. The band reflects:

“‘The Rise of Númenor‘ accounts for the early days and establishment of the realm of Númenor. These golden years represent the promise and potential heights that the race of the Edain might ascend to. In ‘Part III: The Gift of Men‘ we’re introducing the concept of the Gift of Men, which is death. The mortality of men and the ability to leave the world of Arda behind after passing away is the gift given to their race by Ilúvatar. While it’s portrayed to them as a blessing by the Valar and Eldar, the men who receive this gift begin to question its value. Fear of the unknown and what lies beyond slowly creep into their minds. This struggle with death and mortality is at the heart of the album and is ultimately what propels the story to its climactic end.“

Listen to the first single – ‘Part I: The Temple of Melkor‘ taken from the track “Defying the Doom of Men” – here and on all streaming platforms!

“Akallabêth” is set for release on June 27th on CD and vinyl – including an exclusive DMP vinyl edition – and will be accompanied by a new t-shirt design by Luciana Nedelea. Pre-orders are possible via the label’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.

ANFAUGLIR was forged by multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss as an exploration in storytelling through epic symphonic Black Metal. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aims to match the scope and grandeur of the source material with their unique and cinematic compositions, transporting listeners to Middle-earth.

ANFAUGLIR are proud to partner with Debemur Morti Productions to bring their full-length album “Akallabêth“, a deluge of symphonic fury infused with discordant aggression and spellbinding tranquility, to light in 2025.

Shying away from traditional song structures, “Akallabêth” is written and arranged in the vein of a traditional symphony. Themes and melodies develop, recur and transform, entwining delicate motifs of rapture with tragedy, throughout the course of the album’s 4 monumental tracks. 

Centering on the downfall of Númenor from the second age of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, death, immortality and spiritual avarice weave the narrative thread creating a tapestry rich in conflict, emotion and sinking hope. From godly gifts to bombastic wars, the album spans more than 3000 years of prosperity, conquest and upheaval.

Originally active 2004 to 2010, US symphonic Black Metal band ANFAUGLIR make a triumphant return this June with their second album, “Akallabêth“. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aims to match the source material’s scope and grandeur with unique cinematic compositions which transport listeners directly to Middle-earth.

Tracklist:

01. The Rise of Númenor
02. The Inevitable Truths of Time
03. Defying the Doom of Men
04. The Downfall

Album cover artwork: Jorge Jacinto
Logo and title calligraphy: Pierluca Albanese
Layout: Yurii Kazarian – Into The Abyss Design

ANFAUGLIR comment on the cover artwork:

“The cover depicts the wrath of Ilúvatar descending upon the island of Númenor in the shape of a colossal wave, devouring sceptre and peasant alike. Its memory, its glory and all mortal wills sink down below the fading light and are lost forever, save for nine ships swept away from the downfall.“

The album was recorded at Utumno Studios and mixed at Angband Studios. Greg Chandler (ESOTERIC, LYCHGATE) handled the mastering.

The album consists of four opulent and dynamic compositions which all clock in at over 10 minutes. ANFAUGLIR present a short excerpt entitled ‘Part I: The Temple of Melkor‘, taken from the third track ‘Defying the Doom of Men‘. Listen via Bandcamp and on the label’s YouTube channel:

The excerpt illustrates the track’s vast, orchestral journey through the depths of the Númenórean universe. Sweeping strings, war-torn choirs, and thundering blasts coalesce into a cinematic odyssey evoking both grandeur and inevitable downfall.

ANFAUGLIR had this to say about the initial glimpse into their second album:

“With this album covering a large swath of emotions throughout, it was hard to pinpoint what would be the best sample to debut. With ‘The Temple of Melkor’, we feel it offers a glimpse at the frenetic, yet grandiose arrangements within the album. From the ritualistic procession, to the carnage of blind rabid possession – what better way to introduce our release to the world?

Lyrically, this is probably the darkest part of “Akallabêth” in which the dark lord, Sauron, makes his way to the island of Númenor and starts corrupting the mind of the king, Ar-Pharazôn, and those loyal to him. The ‘King’s Men’ construct the giant Temple of Melkor in order to worship the former dark lord and instate the practice of human sacrifice upon those ‘Faithful’ who oppose them. Tragically the white tree of Númenor, Nimloth, is chopped down and burned upon the altar, signalling the beginning of the end.“

Follow the band on Instagram for regular updates!

“Akallabêth” is set for release on June 27th on CD and vinyl – including an exclusive DMP vinyl edition – and will be accompanied by a new t-shirt design by Luciana Nedelea. Pre-orders are possible via the label’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.

More information:

ANFAUGLIR was forged by multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss as an exploration in storytelling through epic symphonic Black Metal. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aims to match the scope and grandeur of the source material with their unique and cinematic compositions, transporting listeners to Middle-earth.

ANFAUGLIR are proud to partner with Debemur Morti Productions to bring their full-length album “Akallabêth“, a deluge of symphonic fury infused with discordant aggression and spellbinding tranquility, to light in 2025.

Shying away from traditional song structures, “Akallabêth” is written and arranged in the vein of a traditional symphony. Themes and melodies develop, recur and transform, entwining delicate motifs of rapture with tragedy, throughout the course of the album’s 4 monumental tracks. 

Centering on the downfall of Númenor from the second age of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, death, immortality and spiritual avarice weave the narrative thread creating a tapestry rich in conflict, emotion and sinking hope. From godly gifts to bombastic wars, the album spans more than 3000 years of prosperity, conquest and upheaval.

“The exiles on the shores of the sea, if they turned towards the West in the desire of their hearts, spoke of Mar-nu-Falmar that was whelmed in the waves, Akallabêth the Downfallen, Atalantë in the Eldarin tongue.” (Tolkien – ‘The Silmarillion‘)

Delving deeply into the cosmos of J.R.R. Tolkien, US multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss have brought forth a monumental symphonic Black Metal creation. ANFAUGLIR – Sindarin for ‘Jaws of Thirst‘ – embodies the majestic vastness of its source material via intricate and longform cinematic compositions which take listeners to the heart of Middle-earth.

ANFAUGLIR states:

“At its core, our music serves as a vessel to tell stories that interweave the solace of darkness and despair with the danger of light and joy. Creating tension within hope and revealing serenity amidst sorrow, our art aims to reside in the nebulous fringes where shadows and light coalesce.“

ANFAUGLIR have signed with Debemur Morti Productions for the release of upcoming second full-length album, “Akallabêth“, in spring 2025. The album promises four towering compositions which weave a tempest of symphonic ferocity, metallic aggression and mesmerizing tranquility.

The band further unveils:

““Akallabêth” is a cinematic journey spanning over 3,000 years of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Second Age, following the downfall of the island of Númenor. Inundated with discordance and tragedy, the four epic tracks delve into the depths of doom and decay as light and existence fade beneath the cold inescapable torrent of oblivion.“

Discover an initial musical teaser below, and follow the band on Instagram for regular updates.

More details will be revealed soon!

ANFAUGLIR was forged by multi-instrumentalists Lord Bauglir and Griss as an exploration in storytelling through epic symphonic Black Metal. Based upon the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the duo aims to match the scope and grandeur of the source material with their unique and cinematic compositions, transporting listeners to Middle-earth.

ANFAUGLIR are proud to partner with Debemur Morti Productions to bring their full-length album “Akallabêth“, a deluge of symphonic fury infused with discordant aggression and spellbinding tranquility, to light in 2025.

Shying away from traditional song structures, “Akallabêth” is written and arranged in the vein of a traditional symphony. Themes and melodies develop, recur and transform, entwining delicate motifs of rapture with tragedy, throughout the course of the album’s 4 monumental tracks. 

Centering on the downfall of Númenor from the second age of J.R.R. Tolkien‘s legendarium, death, immortality and spiritual avarice weave the narrative thread creating a tapestry rich in conflict, emotion and sinking hope. From godly gifts to bombastic wars, the album spans more than 3000 years of prosperity, conquest and upheaval.

The band are currently working on their next album.