From their upcoming album ‘Nightside‘ releasing February 28th, 2025.
Welcome back, my fellow blackmetal heads! Sean here at the Black Metal Archives, and today we’re stepping into the misty, ancient forests of Siberia to explore Grima’s single ‘Skull Gatherers‘ from their upcoming album Nightside, their latest opus in atmospheric black metal. Grima, the brainchild of twin brothers Morbius and Vilhelm, continues to transport us into their ethereal realm of mysticism, nature, and raw emotion. And in this video, we’ll dissect their single Skull Gatherers and dive deep into their unique soundscape.
Grima hails from Russia, and they’ve firmly established themselves as one of the most compelling atmospheric black metal acts in recent years. They’ve always been a band inspired by nature and the mythos of their Siberian homeland, emphasizing a strong connection to the wilderness in both their themes and sound. Their name itself, Grima, evokes an almost shamanic quality—suggesting deceit, shadows, and the enigmatic.
Skull Gatherers, the first single from Nightside, perfectly captures Grima’s ethos. It starts with a brooding acoustic melody, as if you’re walking into an ancient forest shrouded in fog. But this tranquility is quickly shattered by a thunderous surge of melodic guitars and pounding drums for an incredible musical crescendo. Morbius’s vocals are guttural yet piercing, delivering raw emotion that feels almost like a ritualistic incantation.
The real magic lies in the instrumental composition. Grima integrates orchestral synths and folk-inspired motifs seamlessly, creating a lush, cinematic backdrop. The melodies feel mournful but triumphant, evoking images of forgotten gods and spectral rites. There’s a recurring theme of contrast throughout the song—soft, reflective moments juxtaposed against the chaotic aggression of black metal.
Grima’s instrumentation is top-notch. The brothers masterfully weave layers of sound without overcrowding the mix. The guitars are the lifeblood of this single, switching effortlessly between atmospheric chord progressions and blistering riffs. The drum work is relentless, with blast beats driving the energy forward while still making room for dynamic shifts. And those keyboards? Absolutely haunting. They bring in that symphonic, almost folkloric touch that elevates Grima above the standard black metal formula.
In the broader black metal spectrum, Grima occupies a unique space. While they adhere to the traditional aesthetics of the genre—icy riffs, harsh vocals, and a raw, primal intensity—they also push boundaries. Their sound is lush and immersive, incorporating folk and symphonic elements without leaning too heavily into ‘post-black’ or ‘pagan’ metal clichés. They manage to honor the genre’s roots while carving out their own identity, which is no small feat.
While we wait for Nightside, tracks like Skull Gatherers, proves once again why Grima are at the forefront of atmospheric black metal. This track already feels like a spiritual journey—an ode to the power and mystery of nature. It’s intense, meditative, and deeply evocative. If you’re a fan of black metal with depth and cinematic grandeur, Nightside is an album you won’t want to miss.
Let me know in the comments what you think of Grima and their single ‘Skull Gatherers‘ from their upcoming album Nightside! Have you heard Skull Gatherers yet? Its available now on their bandcamp, and be sure to check out the full album when it releases on February 28th, 2025. And if you’re new here, don’t forget to hit like for more deep dives into the world of extreme music. Until next time, keep the flames of metal burning bright!
