With “III,” released on August 29, 2025 via Kozmik Artifactz, Danish Dark Heavy Rock band GRUSOM further refine and solidify their identity, delivering an album deeply rooted in the Heavy Rock tradition while infused with a Dark, organ-driven atmosphere and a distinctly personal touch. The band embraces a sound that draws from the early ’70s Heavy and Progressive Rock heritage, yet reshapes it through modern songwriting, warm and expressive vocals, and a strong compositional coherence. Hammond organ and guitars dominate the sonic landscape, supported by a solid and articulate rhythm section, resulting in an album that feels immersive, intense, and emotionally charged from start to finish. The album opens with “Shadow Crawler,” the excellent lead single chosen to anticipate the album’s release and accompanied by an official video. Since its debut, the track has remained in heavy rotation, and with good reason. Driven by a commanding organ line, the song immediately plunges the listener into the album’s dark atmospheres, built on a compelling interplay between guitar riffs and keyboards. The warm and expressive vocal performance interprets the lyrics with pathos and conviction, becoming a central emotional element of the track. The rhythm section is solid yet refined, supporting the arrangement with authority and subtle complexity. Echoes of classic Heavy Rock resonate throughout the piece, but the band’s identity remains unmistakably clear, making “Shadow Crawler” an highly effective opener. “Hell Maker” begins with the organ once again setting the tone, weaving tightly with Heavy guitar riffs before unfolding into a dynamic and engaging composition. The band introduces tempo changes that add a Progressive edge to the track, enriching the overall structure without sacrificing impact. The vocals stand out particularly in the verses, intense and emotionally charged, enhancing the songwriting even within a song built around a more catchy chorus. GRUSOM manage to channel early ’70s Heavy Rock and Progressive influences into a fresh, modern framework, alternating melodic passages with more elaborate sections where the blend of keyboards and guitars becomes especially striking. The extended duration allows the central theme to evolve naturally, balancing powerful vocal sections with refined instrumental developments. Dark arpeggios and shadowy atmospheres open “Le’ Voyage,” soon joined by warm, melancholic vocals and lush keyboards. The track gradually unfolds toward more Progressive territories, thanks to the rich and layered guitar and keyboard textures. As the song builds, the second half blossoms into an intense Progressive Rock crescendo, where instrumental interplay takes center stage and guitar solos intertwine seamlessly with the expressive vocal lines. This is a remarkably enveloping piece, full of subtle nuances and delicate shades, with an outstanding vocal performance that elevates the emotional depth of the composition. In “Euphoria,” the percussive and driving drumming plays a crucial role in shaping the track. Hypnotic guitar patterns, intertwined keyboards, and vocals featuring catchy refrains define the song’s character. As the shortest track on the album, it delivers a concise yet effective burst of energy, maintaining cohesion with the album’s sonic identity while offering a more immediate listening experience. The sound returns to the heavier approach of the opening tracks with the galloping “Night Hunters.” Granite-solid riffs from guitars and keyboards form the backbone of the song, while the incisive vocals once again leave a strong mark. Enriched by tempo changes and dynamic transitions, the track unfolds with an engaging momentum that suggests strong live potential, where its energy and structural shifts could truly shine on stage. Keyboards and solid guitar riffs introduce “Fatal Romance,” a track driven by a deep and commanding bassline that anchors the composition. The drumming is tight and powerful, with the rhythm section continuously evolving through well-placed tempo changes. The warm and expressive vocals deliver another deeply affecting performance, wrapping the listener in carefully crafted melodies and emotive phrasing. The central instrumental section features an intense guitar solo, while the second half of the track rises toward some of the album’s highest Rock peaks, showcasing the band’s compositional and expressive strength. “Memories” is another driving piece, built on percussive drumming and rich organ textures interwoven with guitar riffs. The vocal performance is dynamic, moving fluidly between melodic passages while maintaining a distinctive and recognizable style. The organ takes a leading role, shaping the song’s atmosphere, while the rhythm section remains solid and articulate, enhanced by more percussive rhythmic shifts. In the latter part of the track, refined Hammond solo passages further enrich the arrangement, once again highlighting the band’s instrumental finesse. Like several tracks on the album, “Memories” clearly stands out as a composition well-suited for the live dimension. The album closes with its longest track, “Mortal Desire,” extending beyond seven minutes and opening with a majestic organ introduction. Dark and melancholic in mood, the song unfolds with a march-like rhythmic feel, where the organ intertwines with guitar work and warm, deep vocals. The piece moves at a measured pace, yet with great intensity, enveloping the listener while showcasing the band’s compositional maturity and expressive control. The central section introduces piano lines that weave together with increasingly intense vocals, building toward a powerful crescendo. Here, the vocalist delivers a truly outstanding performance—raw, intense, and gripping—before the guitar enters with a solo equally charged with emotion. A closing track that genuinely sends shivers down the spine and leaves a lasting impression. In conclusion, “III” is an album that truly deserves repeated listens, revealing new details and nuances with each spin. Grusom demonstrate a remarkably high level of both compositional and instrumental proficiency, crafting a work that balances Heavy Rock power, Progressive sophistication, and deep emotional resonance. A strong statement from a band operating at an impressive artistic level.
Tracklist
01. Shadow Crawler (05:47)
02. Hell Maker (06:38)
03. Le’ Voyage (06:42)
04. Euphoria (02:36)
05. Night Hunters (04:55)
06. Fatal Romance (05:16)
07. Memories (05:27)
08. Mortal Desire (07:56)
Lineup
Nicolaj Jul / Vocal
Peter Pørtner / Keys
Thomas Ulrik / Guitar
Dennis Warburg / Guitar
Søren Olesen / Bass
Peter Østergaard / Drums