The name Asmegin means "by the might of the gods". Arv is translated to mean Heritage. The Norwegian band Asmegin on their second release, show that by the might of the gods and the heritage from which they come, this band might very well become more than a novelty here in the states. Combining the brutality of their death metal sound with the traditional melodies of their native land, Asmegin has come up with a combo that is thoroughly entertaining with its never ending cornucopia of sounds. From the mighty sound of a Hammond organ, the lush tones of a Mellotron or even a serene violin comes the folkish backdrop from which they unleash the hellish guitar attack combined with the guttural vocals that define the band.
The vocals are also one of the truly special things about the band. With diversity similar to the music that they play, the band's variety of styles from death metal growls to soaring female singing is like another instrument in the band. This is a good thing, since most of the lyrics are in their native tongue.
For those that are familiar with this genre, Arv is an album is filled with what probably drew you to this style in the first place. If you are new to the world of Nordic Folk Metal, their disc is a great place to start. It captures what is so striking about this field of music. I highly recommend that you stop whatever it is you are doing and go and pick this one up. It is a real treat!
Track listing:
1. Fandens Maelkebotte (The Devil's Milk Pail)
2. Hiertebrand (Heartburning)
3. Generalen Of Troldharen (The General and the Trollhare)
4. Arv (Heritage)
5. Yndifall (Bereavement)
6. Gengangeren (The Apparition)
7. Prunkende, Stolt I Jokumsol (Pompously, Proudly In The Sun Of Jokum)
8. En Myrmylne (A Boggy Mylne)
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