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Asmegin
Arv
(Napalm)

Arv is the second full-length release from Asmegin, a hybrid folk/viking metal band from Jevnaker, Norway. What makes this band different from most other Norse-inspired bands is that they bow down to the Anglo-tongue not at all, choosing to sing in Norwegian and old Norse. This lends an ethnic authenticity to the music, one that paves the way for musical innovations later on down the line.

Musicly, this band is facinating...they have grunting, aggressive vocals and driving guitar riffs, but their rhythms owe more to Norse folk than they do to modern blast beats. Liberal use of accordians, violins, and other traditional instruments makes Arv a truly unique listening experience that stimulates the imagination while it bangs the proverbial head.

The third track, "Generalen Og Troldharen" brings home the auric diversity that is Asmegin , where numerous time signature changes and acoustic instrumental breaks challenge the casual listener to sit up and pay attention. This happens throughout the album, making Arv one of the year's most innovative albums.

This band walks a fine line between folk music and extreme Viking metal...make the extreme metal elements too extreme, and you can alienate the folkies. Too many soft acoustic breakdowns, and the metalheads may pack it in and go home. I think that Asmegin gets the mix just right, however, and I throughly enjoyed Arv. Any fans of Nordic folk metal, Viking metal, or just music that refuses to narrowly define itself will love this album...I know I did. The Heathen Hippy gives it four Viking Raids!


Here's a Sample of the Title Track from Arv:

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