First time I listened to this, I was thinking "Khazad" means "Dwarf", but the music don't sound that "dwarfy" to me... Now, years later, I recall "Dûm" is mountain. That music refers to Moria. The rythmic sounds are our steps venturing there.
The whole album is fantastic, but the Secret Path is one of the best tracks of the year so far. Moody, atmospheric and with a real feeling of narrative. Not the same style, but shades of the loneliness and dread in the 'King's Field: Ancient City' soundtrack.
also, Imagine if in one part of the song, maybe in the middle or an outro, a massive distorted guitar came in with the powerful crashing of symbols. It would convey so much power and I think it could blend well with the more orchestral parts.
