In Dwarven Halls is the new EP from Wisconsin death metal act Khazaddum, comprised of three songs based on the works of author J.R.R. Tolkien and his Middle Earth mythology. Plenty of familiar characters names will be found in the lyrics here for those who love the Lord of the Rings series, such as Gandalf, Mirthrandir, Thorin, Durin, Morgoth, Bilbo, and more, and it's all housed within a crushing, technical death metal framework. Led by the ferocious growls of Luka Djordjevic, the music here is epic, monolithic, and quite brutal. Though the band lists Nile, Morbid Angel and Behemoth as influences, you can hear them trying to mold their own style, and though the production is a tad on the murky side, there are some great riffs, solos, and blast beats to be found on these three tracks, and the Tolkien inspired lyrics are an easy draw for any fantasy fan.
Seeing as this band just got together in 2014, I'm sure the best is yet to come from them in the years ahead. A full length album further building on the Tolkien tales could truly be epic indeed.
Track Listing
1) The Grey Thus Commands
2) Durin's Bane
3) Thorin Oakenshield