Soon after having signed with Prophecy Productions, Bavarian black metal duo Gràb drops the forest dwelling video clip Waidler (Woodsman) exclusively via Black Metal Promotion. This track is the next single taken from their forthcoming new album Kremess. The sophomore full-length of the Bavarian black metal duo will come out on February 21th, 2025.
Gràb commented:
“The opening track of the album is named Waidler, which is a dialectal word that corresponds loosely translated with the English term Woodlander. In the sense of a person living in a forest”, vocalist and lyricist Grànt explains. “This song is dedicated to the Bavarian Forest. Whenever I visit this region of Lower Bavaria, it feels like a journey back in time – in a positive way. I very much like the traditional way of living there. Of course, there is also the stunning nature of the Bavarian Forest – harsh and majestic at the same time. That is exactly what we want to convey with the lyrics and the music of Waidler. In my book, we have quite succeeded in delivering a really powerful opening track. Indeed, one that also includes a guest contribution by former Dark Fortress vocalist, Morean.”
On the upcoming album
Gràb offers 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 features 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 colors 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 has further enhanced the musical spectrum. With Kremess, Gràb is infusing Bavarian black metal with new power that is bound to expand their growing empire far beyond the borders of their homeland.
Lineup
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’
Tracklist
1. Waidler
2. Kremess
3. Kerkermoasta
4. Im Hexnhoiz
5. Vom Gråb im Moos
6. Deifeszeig
7. Waldeinsamkeit
8. Dà letzte Winter
