GRÀB present “Vom Gråb im Moos”, a new single from their upcoming album

GRÀB have unveiled the  new preview track “Vom Gråb im Moos” as the third glimpse  from their forthcoming new album “Kremess” (English: ‘funeral feast’, German “Leichenschmaus”). The sophomore full-length of the Bavarian black metal duo has been scheduled for release on February 21, 2025 via Prophecy Productions (http://lnk.spkr.media/grab-kremess).

GRÀB offer both, continuity and change, on their sophomore full-length “Kremess”. The Bavarian black metal project founded by vocalist Grànt continues to revolve lyrically around tales and traditions narrated in the local dialect of Germany’s southernmost Alpine state: Bavaria. “Kremess” means ‘funeral feast’ in that language and death plays a leading role on this album.

Musically, GRÀB still feature a prominent traditional instrument of their region, the hammered dulcimer. This gets combined with particularly Norwegian strands of black metal such as early GEHENNA, ULVER, and DARKTHRONE as well as taking inspiration from German pioneers of the genre namely NAGELFAR and LUNAR AURORA. Adding to the local sonic colours are many fresh ideas and sounds that came with English guitarist Gnàst, who has replaced previous main songwriter Grain in the meantime. A host of guest musicians including members of EMPYRIUM, TRIPTYKON, and DARK FORTRESS among others has further enhanced the musical spectrum.

GRÀB were conceived by former DARK FORTRESS frontman Grànt who wanted to bring a particularly Bavarian expression to black metal. The use of vernacular elements in this harsh style of music emerged early in its formation in Scandinavia when such bands as ENSLAVED and BORKNAGAR took inspiration from local history, language, legends, and sounds. This soon evolved into a global phenomenon in black metal with examples ranging from Romania’s NEGURĂ BUNGET to Cascadian USBM pioneers WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM.

When Grànt joined forces with guitarist and songwriter Grain in 2015, the project took off for real. The chosen name GRÀB means “old and grey” in Bavarian dialect and is not to be confused with the German word for grave, “Grab”. The collaboration between the two members resulted in the release of the debut full-length “Zeitlang” in 2021. “Zeitlang” channelled the black metal spirit of the early 90s much to the delight of both critics and fans.

GRÀB, which means “old and grey”, are lyrically firmly based on this tradition. Originally never intended to perform live, GRÀB nonetheless gave their debut on stage at Prophecy Fest 2023. This show was intended to remain solitary, but this position has evolved towards an openness to play more concerts in future.

With “Kremess”, GRÀB are infusing Bavarian black metal with new power that is bound to expand their growing empire far beyond the borders of their homeland.

Tracklist:

1. Waidler
2. Kremess
3. Kerkermoasta
4. Im Hexnhoiz
5. Vom Gråb im Moos
6. Deifeszeig
7. Waldeinsamkeit
8. Dà letzte Winter

Artbook Bonus CD
1. Waidler (gschmeidig)
2. Schaug’ de Himmesdechta (Burzum cover)
3. Leere (Burzum cover)

Listen to the song “Vom Gråb im Moos” below:

„Vom Grab im Moos“ („About a grave in the mire“) lyrical wise is my tribute to famous fairytale writer Otfried Preußler. With his fairytales he inspired so many of my childhood fantasies and still up to this day his work is timeless for me. That’s why I wrote my own dark fairytale. It might come as a surprise, but there’s no happy ending in my own fairytale. Of course we also wanted the song to fit well to the fantastic story behind it. Therefore it is much more playful than the rest and shows a new side of GRÀB. We do have choirs sung by Thomas Helm and Markus Stock of EMPYRIUM, we do have lots of dulcimer of course, we do have a viola, acoustic guitars and even a flute. Hell, that ending part of „Vom Grab im Moos“ gives me such strong ULVER „Bergtatt“-vibes!  -Grànt/Gràb

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Line-up:
Grànt – vocals & Bavarian poetry
Gnàst – guitars, bass, synthesizer, songwriting

Guest musicians:
Markus Stock – additional synths & choirs on several tracks, dulcimer on ‘Leere’
Thomas Helm – choirs on ‘Im Hexnhoiz’, ‘Deifeszeig’
Victor Bullok – guitar solo on ‘Dà letzte Winter’
Florian ‘Morean’ Magnus Maier – undertone vocals on ‘Waidler’
Komalé Akakpo – composed & played most dulcimer parts on several tracks
Peter Honsalek – composed & played viola on ‘Im Hexnhoiz’
Johanna Rehm – flute on ‘Vom Grab im Moos’

Recording by Markus Stock at Klangschmiede Studio E, Mellrichstadt (DE)
Mix & Mastering by Markus Stock at Klangschmiede Studio E, Mellrichstadt (DE)

Artwork by Benjamin König (Sperber Illustrationen), layout by Dan Capp.