Bavarian (Germany) black metal duo Gràb has set its signature under a multi-album deal with Prophecy Productions. Gràb will release its sophomore album via the label in 2025.

Gràb's vocalist and lyricist, Grànt, states: "We are proud to announce our signing with Prophecy Productions. Despite other offers, we decided to go with Prophecy. I have known Martin Koller for more than 20 years now, and I like his attitude and the label's philosophy: they are all about the art! That means, he always has the back of his artists, no matter how strong the resistance gets. That attitude is almost impossible to find in today's music business. For me as an artist, it means everything. I want to be able to focus only on my art and nothing else. I am sure that Prophecy Productions are the perfect partner for the future of Gràb. Talking about the future also means to look back on our past: I have to thank Thor and his infamous Trollmusic label. Without his belief in my vision of Gràb in 2016, there would most likely not even be a second album. But the reaper is not satisfied yet and therefore Gràb keep following on his path - life creates the doorway, death holds the key!"

Gràb was founded by vocalist Grànt. The former Dark Fortress frontman had written the lyrics of an entire concept album in the local dialect of Germany's southernmost Alpine state, Bavaria. In 2015, he joined forces with guitarist and songwriter Grain, who provided the music for this project.

The result was the harsh debut full-length, Zeitlang, which breathes the black metal spirit of the early 90s. When black metal was redefined, particularly in Scandinavia, during this period, the style quickly evolved into adopting distinct vernacular components with such bands as Enslaved or Borknagar taking inspiration from local history, language, legends, and sounds. When black metal soon expanded into a global phenomenon, more acts followed on this path. Illuminating examples range from Romania's Negură Bunget to Cascadian USBM pioneers Wolves In The Throne Room.

Gràb, which means "old and grey", is lyrically firmly based on this tradition. Zeitlang tells the story of an old man who has chosen to withdraw from society into an isolated cottage deep in the Alpine mountains, where he reflects on his life while his death edges ever closer.

Musically, Gràb is picking up the Norwegian strands of early Gehenna, Ulver, and Darkthrone, and is being inspired by German Nagelfar and Lunar Aurora. Yet in tune with their lyrical theme, the Bavarians include local and traditional sonic elements, which are expressed in the use of hammered dulcimer, zither and alphorn for example.

Although never intended to perform live, Gràb debuted on stage at Prophecy Fest 2023. The show was intended to remain solitary but this position has evolved towards an openness to play more concerts in future. More change came with the departure of Grain due to artistic differences, who has been replaced by the English guitarist Gnàst aka Dan Capp (Wolcensmen, Solstice) as the new main songwriter in the meantime. Link