Haha. Well , let me at least say that I can tell they tried. There was a good deal of effort put into this album. But if you're going to emulate something so unique and specific, you'd better fucking be able to back it up with some serious quality or else you just make yourself look like a retard. I actually found what I heard of Emyn Muil more interesting because there seemedto be more of an effort happening there to not abjectly copy but to instead take inspiration and head in a bit of a fresh direction.

Another thing that makes Summoning so much better is their superb use of melody. Caladan Brood is really forgettable on that level.

Listening to Nightshade Forests right now. Fuck this rules.

Fuck you guys are ruining this for me now! Well I will still keep my hopes up and spin the shit out of this before I comment and give my final thoughts . Emyn Muil was a dam fine debut, really enjoyed it myself, just think the guitars were a we bit thin but still very good. It is still very welcoming to see more bands attempt this style, ironic also that these releases are all coming out so close to each other - Elffor - Emyn Muil - Caladan Brood - Summoning. Also keep an eye as Mirkwood (US) are also planning to release the debut album soon...

Goddamn, this was such a good album. Really can't say anything in regards to complaints about it, hope to see a cassette or vinyl release in the future.

There's no better way to make an ass out of yourself than trying to be condescending and spelling something wrong in the process.

Ok, finally got the cd and have give it a few spins and I am glad to say it is everything I expected. These guys will do for the Malazan Book of the Fallen what Summoning did for Lord of the Rings. Cant see why some people are writing them off as a weak Summoning clone, I guess it is just down to personal taste as I think they are the best band yet to take on this style outside Summoning. The production is great and I really love the clean vocals, auto tuned or whatever they sound great and fit the music perfectly. As for not being memorable, def not the case for me as I already have some of the melodies stuck in my head haha.

Anyway the album deserves a chance to breathe, give it a few listens and let it sink in. For a band to come out of the blue with no previous material and release something like this I think is quite an achievement on its own, epic, sad sounding hymns, just the way I love it.

To be honest, I'm not that concerned about the fact that they're what amounts to a poor man's Summoning. I gladly listen to quality worship of my favourite bands even when it's not quite up to par with the masters. If I enjoy a band, it'd be unreasonable not to enjoy something similar, wouldn't it? The problem is that they're doing it wrong, and I'm utterly unable to enjoy it. It's cheap and sugary to excess.

Respect your reasoning Ilwhyan my friend, as I said it is all down to personal taste. I on the other hand think this is more than just another Summoning clone and a band with a very promising future and one to keep an eye on. I think they have sadly fallen into the love or hate camp, even in this very thread as well as other sources though in saying that the overall opinion seems to be positive and reviews are strong. I hope this continues to blossom as I would really like to hear more from this band in the future and after all this comparing I hope the new Summoning is up to standard and business as usual (which im sure it will be )

I cant decide between the normal edition and the digipack, both have awesome covers. Is there any difference between the booklets of both editions???

The two booklets will be different from each other Paganbasque, even tougher decision now!

Nooooooooooooo

Perhaps I will finaly buy the digipack edition because I want to purchase this one and RC´s last oppus in Napalm Records, and they have only the digi edition.

I'm digging this. All the songs have a very nice pace. I think its a solid mix of styles. I'm going to have to check out the series its based on.

do so you wont be disapointed. very "metal" series, not your typical lotr style stuff. much darker.

This is absolutely mind blowing for me, always wanted metal bands to take up Malazan's theme, Malazan is as metal as they come. Love the Summoning + Moonsorrow sound. So so good! Heading to northern silence webstore!

Not sure where all the hate for this band is coming from. Personally I think this band is leagues better than Summoning. Sorry, but Summoning has always bored me to tears. Perhaps its because listening to this band takes me back to the first time I ever played Daggerfall, or perhaps it's the subject matter. Malazan hasn't been done to death by every band in every style of metal since the 70's like lotr has. No I think its because Caladan Brood is just flat out more interesting than Summoning has ever been.

Fuck yeah, this x10!

Cmon Ilywhan, Mortal Heroes and Oath Bound had plenty of sacharrine moments. I rather like this, yes it's a summoning ripoff with no imagination but damn they do it well. And I'd take good but derivative over bad but original any day.

Cmon Ilywhan, Mortal Heroes and Oath Bound had plenty of sacharrine moments. I rather like this, yes it's a summoning ripoff with no imagination but damn they do it well. And I'd take good but derivative over bad but original any day.

I have just ordered the A5 digi edition directly to the band, the price is good, 20 dollars including the post.

This is actually pretty good. I've always liked this subgenre of Black Metal, if that's what you would call it. They're still no Summoning, but that doesn't mean that they're not worth listening to. For the fact that this is an American band (as usually any American attempts at Black Metal end horribly), I'm actually pretty impressed.

After multiple listens I can confirm that this is one of the best debut albums I've heard in a long time. A purely clone band that got it right... fantastic. I'll be ordering this one directly from the band. Can't wait to get a physical copy.

There's good saccharine, and there's annoying saccharine. For the record, stuff like Land of the Dead is too much for me.

Pure cane sugar vs. Splenda. Caladan Brood is now officially the Splenda™ of fantasy metal.

Quoted for truth! If Summoning is the sugar of fantasy metal, is Manowar the bacon?

*sips Caladan Brood* .. there is overmuch water in this mead. *finishes the cup because it was free, does not refill*

This album left me lukewarm at first, but on a second listen, I'm digging this. It's not quite Summoning, no, but damn if A Voice Born of Stone and Dust isn't on par with most kick-ass Summoning songs. The last track is also pretty awesome.

Good to hear this release is sinking in with you Morrigan, it is a rewarding effort. I am still enjoying it very much, favourite track for me would have to be 'To Walk The Ashes of Dead Empires'. The haunting melody is beautiful and very fitting to the theme of the album. Thanks to this release I have began to read the books, difficult to follow in the beginning but really enjoying it so far. Still only on the first so I have a mammoth task ahead.

I haven't given this a listen post-new summoning leaking but it did cross my mind when I was listening to Old Mornings Dawn. Quite simply OMD blows this totally out of the water; Echoes of Battle is still a pretty entertaining album but it's nowhere near on the same level.

This song is simply marvellous, as you have perfectly described the melody is truly haunting, very evoking and emotive. A perfect song without any doubt, what a brilliant debut!!.

And I am not going to compare this album with Summoning´s new opus, I want to enjoy both albums and I don’t want to fall in this crazy "fan boy" hysteria.

+1 I am just glad to see more bands take up this wonderful style.