Peru
Unholy War Productions
Asgard is a one-man band from Peru, and the release in question, “Pagan Sacrifice,” is the band’s third demo, featuring 5 songs of raw pagan/black metal with a rusty production fitting for a demo limited to 150 copies. The individual behind this project is also a former member of bands such as Lord Sanguinary, Nahual, and Penetrator Hammer.
The song structures are similar to punk in the sense that the music is quite straight-forward and simplistic, although the overall metallic elements prevail. Stylistically, their sound gives nods to bands such as Absurd and Burzum. The music is definitely very riff-laden, and songs like “Hall Of The Fallen (Valhalla)” perfectly exemplify this. There’s even clean vocals, which are quite dominant in the mix, backed by more aggressive vocals and some lower grunts. There’s some pretty cool riffs interspersed throughout, which are infused with folk melodies. It’s quite interesting to hear a band like this coming from Peru, especially considering the band’s lyrical themes, which deals with nationalism, paganism, etc. It’s a style of black metal I can enjoy and appreciate if I’m in the mood for something riffy and primitive; however, the themes might not be for everyone.
If you like poorly produced and sloppily played black metal with punk tendencies, then you will enjoy this, particularly fans of the aforementioned acts. (HT)