Origin: International
Genre: Black Metal
Asagraum’s ascent to the upper echelons of black metal notoriety has been nothing short of astronomical. Having been conceived by fires of the hottest blasphemy and having propelled themselves under the momentum of pure Satanic fury since 2015, this now proud institution has made a most profound impact on the scene at an elite and international level. Their previous album, 2019’s “Dawn of Infinite Fire” – a statement of a record that testified to the legitimacy of this project as one of black metal’s most important collectives. Contemporary in their craft with very little to offer the early 90’s enthusiast and boasting one of the entirety of the scene’s most refined melodic sensibilities, for Asagraum, it’s been a matter of injecting some needed vitality into what’s becoming a throwback-dominated genre. Now, to say that the world has changed since 2019 would be an understatement. And so too have we all taken different forms as we’ve emerged from the throes of pandemia into this new Dark Age. Asagraum’s latest album, “Veil of Death, Ruptured”, is a heartfelt testament to this metamorphosis and a nice example of creative maturation incarnate. With this latest chapter in their celebrated career, Asagraum have made themselves more vulnerable than ever. Rage, a thing of the past for now it seems as the bevy explore the soulful side of black metal and revel in the faithful warmth of His Infernal Majesty like never before.
There’s evolution, there’s innovation and even avant-garde but then there’s also something call being in the zone. It’s that place where all the pieces seem to fall into place as the fundamental and the traditional converge into a current of forward-thinking on a level whereas growth remains important but only when it’s to enrich what’s artful. “Veil of Death, Ruptured” is the product of artists who are obviously very much in flux with what makes for proper Satanic black metal: passion, seduction and warm simmering energy as opposed to explosiveness/aggression. “Ignem Purificat Lilitu”, “Impure Fire” and the titular track to ease you into a state of ease and openness that allows for the full absorption of Satan’s blissful energy along with each awe-inspiring melodic passage, every crisp rhythm and all those hypnotic parts that make for such an unforgettable experience. Patience is the key here. It really feels like the band wanted to savor each moment of the creative process and deliver the most genuine product possible. True black metal through and through but possessing of a certain level of accessibility that warmly welcomes you into this siren song of a black metal album.
It’s just that damn good. This group has done nothing but release quality records since the beginning. Their vintage now sweeter than ever and only aging into an even more velvety richness with each passing album. I know fans really wanted “Dawn of Infinite Fire 2.0” but that’s definitely not what you’re getting here. With “Veil of Death, Ruptured”, all the stops are pulled and easy does it is the name of the game. Slow and steady wins the race! Musical wisdom in action and a near-perfect black metal record.
9/10
Experience “Veil of Death, Ruptured” by Asagraum right here as presented by Black Metal Promotion:
~Jeger
