Asagraum once again summons its demons.
Led by Obscura (vocals/guitar/bass, Draugur) since 2015, the band started with T. Kolsvart (drums, Cultist, Elände, ex-Sisters of Suffocation), replaced since 2017 by A. Morthaemer (drums, ex-Sisters of Suffocation). Numerous live members will follow, then the band makes official the arrival of Makhashanah (bass, Abyssic, ex-Sirenia) before announcing the release of Veil Of Death, Ruptured, its third album, on Edged Circle Productions.
The album opens with the heady melodies of Ignem Purificat Lilitu, which quickly accelerate to welcome howls and a solid rhythmic basis. Old School tones perfectly match the band’s icy approach, and they don’t hesitate to slow down and offer a few more airy moments, before Fearless Dominance takes over with piercing leads that join a thick but very dark sound. The suffocating saturation persists as the rhythm accelerates, but also as more energetic patterns appear before letting the final engulf us, giving Opus Ad Errantem the chance to surprise us with an eerie quietness. Once the interlude is over, De Verloren Tijd brings back the heavy haunting tones with a bit of clean vocals, but sharp Black Metal is never far away, and will very naturally blend with the first sounds to create a hypnotic rhythm before that final drums acceleration leading us to Impure Fire, a much rawer track. Abrasive guitars intermingle to guarantee an oppressive sound even during the more soaring parts, but the track comes to an end with rage, giving way to Veil of Death, Ruptured, the eponymous track, which envelops us in its fascinating dissonance. Tortured vocal parts make the show even more intense as they ride the piercing riffs at full speed before multiplying, paving the way for Opus Ad Aeternum, an incredibly calm and soothing second interlude. A few cymbals join the final, then De waanzin roept mijn naam closes the album with its wall of blast to start with, then with more occult tones before renewing with its impenetrable rhythm that sinks into nothingness.
Darkness comes to life under Asagraum‘s command, lending it both its wrath during the most intense parts, but also its ominous tones during the lulls punctuating Veil Of Death, Ruptured, making it unpredictable and intense.
90/100