>>127509485
Caladan Brood is like neutered Summoning: all the commercial, easy listening and non-Dungeon synth-y aspects of Summoning are mixed with Peter Jackson LOTR soundtrack type of music and Hollywood choirs. The Redditor listens this while thinking: "It's Epic. Just like Skyrim. And those bearded warriors. I can dig this"

Summoning never aimed for that sound, even though they gravitated accidentally towards this with Stronghold and Let Mortal Heroes Sing your Fame - But they got back to their black metal roots by the time of Oath Bound was released (that Reddit hates for it's non-listener friendly elements). It's no wonder Caladan Brood is North American band, many copycat bands in America take the worst aspects of their European idols/influencing bands and try to make a commercial offering out of it.

Oath Bound is absolutely detested and hated on Reddit. It represents 'harsh' mix, contains 'digital harshness' and return to black metal influence of Summoning. It's like a cold slap in the face after Stronghold and LMHSYF that had LOTR-Hollywood production ambience and easy listening elements - Oath Bound is one of my favorite Summoning album's because it is like a cool day in midst of hot summer - a reminder of Winter to come and return to Tradition (of Summoning's) roots. One cannot rely on senses of the ears or aesthetics alone, like in the case of Caladan Brood, but one has to actually listen the composition - which is arguably the highest standard of Oath Bound. Extremely underrated record that is hard to approach with baby ears accustomed to Hollywood production and pleasing "analog" sound.