This is fifth release from Summoning , a two piece outfit from Austria , which , IMHO ,are the best music makers ever to walk this forsaken planet.They play a special kind of black metal which is unique in its own way.I think categorizing their music would do an injustice to the great music they create. Summoning rely on carefully based rhythms, with sad, agonizing keyboard layers as the main driving force .Though guitars are more evident and driving than before albums [ I’ve got all Summoning albums except Lugburz, thanks to , who else? Of course, Vikram , thank you man!!! ], many of the regular metal and even Black metal listeners would probably find it to be more background, but this is the way it was meant to be!!Summoning never cared for techniques , they always depended on moods, agony,pain,sadness,loneliness, nature and so on influences.And I think keyboards are really heavy and kickass instrument , when they are in Sillenius’ or Protector’s hands. Stronghold , from the intro Rhun to the last track The loud music of the sky , is a damn perfect album. The moods keep on changing , reflecting from deep forests to majesty of the mountains, from sorrowful moans to paralyzing agony, from the bloodshed war fields to the screams of after war battleground .The best songs being" Where hope and daylight die " and " Long lost where no pathway goes ".And I must admit that an average song off Stronghold is better than full catalogues of shitload of other black metal bands out there. Each song is crafted with a special feel and treatment to it.You never get bored at any point on this masterpiece. Sillenius’ vocals are the most agonizing and rich screams I have ever heard , only comparable to tearing screams of Burzum’s Varg , but with a lot more emotions and variety to it. They also use a highly polished female operatic singer on the best track of the album " Where hope and daylight die".I have never heard extreme vocals suiting to music to this perfection. Lyrics are all about Tolkein , a fantasy world created by Sillenius and protector , reflecting feelings after war ruins , endless pain and so on.Written in a very poetic and tight way .You never seem to find any unwanted phrase or line in any of the song.Some words, like on " The loud music of the sky " and again on " Where hope and…. " , are some of the best I have ever heard. Production is very tight and gives a " never heard before " solitary and sad feeling to the music. And the last thing I would specially like to admit that the cover and layout of this gem is the best ever done on a piece of paper. It really takes you to the fantasy world of Tolkein and lets you lost in it. And those two paintings on the in sleeve….. aaahh!!!…. Finally,this is a perfect 10/10 album.I would recommend it to anyone who cares about serious and dark music.This is the album I would like to play when I die…A classic emotional headbanger… " In better lands the sun may shine, Green leaves on trees spring, Their opening and blossoming, But there the ravens sing …" – " Where hope and daylight die ", Stronghold ,Summoning