Dutch black metal band ASAGRAUM is definitely a name that stands out. The dark and natural energy presented by Obscura and company in the  recent years is a phenomenon whose captivating and violent trap is hard not to fall into when listening to their work.

The band’s atmosphere has been captivating since its inception, thanks to its haunting and at times highly addictive combination of chilling 90s black metal, psychedelic influences and haunting cryptic appeals, as well as the traditional dose of mystery, of course, which the musicians undoubtedly invoke through their creativity.

The dedication to the dark arts and deep unconscious spaces of the occult continues on the band’s third full-length album, „Veil of Death, Ruptured“, where ASAGRAUM once again showcase their unique songwriting style and burning passion for the subtleties of black metal.

Recorded by Obscura and A. Morthaemer, the album features eight tracks and is around 37 minutes long, and will be released on October 20th via Edged Circle Productions.

The title opens with the furious hymn „Ignem Purificat Lilitu“ dedicated to purification through fire and the power of Lilith. The song is aggressive and cold, while at the same time the ritualistic chants that appear at the end contribute to a more ethereal atmosphere that gives depth to the track due to the contrast with the heavier and cutting parts of the instrumental and the traditional manic vocals of Obscura.

At the very first listen, the duration of the album is not even felt – everything passes like a whirlwind and an unceasing whole through the mind, with  ferocious, burning energy  and at the same time a piercing cold sensation, leaving you to meditate through the dark spaces.

In the title we can again hear Obscura’s  singing in her native language – two of the tracks are entirely written in Dutch: „De Verloren Tijd“ and „De Waanzin Roept Mijn Naam“, and this undoubtedly gives the record a triple authenticity and sounds particularly mysterious and sinister.

Among the eight pieces are two shorter preludes – ‘Opus Ad Errantem’ and ‘Opus Ad Aeternum’ – serving as portals to the next Asagraum indelible spells – ‘De Verloren Tijd’ and the finale ‘De Waanzin Roept Mijn Naam’, which fully lives up to its name, erupting with the kind of massive madness that has remained the band’s trademark over the years.

A number of interesting elements can be found in the album, such as psychedelic whispers and screams, appearing in the background of the captivating smooth instrumental, ethereal more folk-sounding guitar melodies, ritualistic chants, guitar effects sounding like a synth, which add a specific dungeon atmosphere, ambient sounds … all this alongside the band’s obligatory frenzied guitar and bass riffs, deranged drums and haunting eerie bewitching vocals. True witchcraft and an opiate for true black metal lovers.

„Veil of Death, Ruptured“ is a classic Asagraum work and presents an authentic expression and homage to the dark arts, captivating the ear with an intelligent approach to songwriting and an unrelenting passion infused in the air that keeps the black flame alive. Emotionally charged and filled with beautiful sharp strings and dark atmospheres, even vaguely melancholy at times, this album is undoubtedly a fascinating piece of Art to pay attention to.

Score: 10/10

Favorite song : „De Verloren Tijd“

One of the tracks is available online. You can hear „Impure Fire“ below:

Band: Asagraum
Album: „Veil of Death, Ruptured“
Release Date: 20.10.2023
Label: Edged Circle Productions
Order Link: https://edgedcircleproductions.com/ecp-shop