Asmegin - Arv

March 3, 2009

Reviewer: Peter

In recent years, the folk metal genre has been put front and center by record labels.  Seemingly, no band gets left out, and Norway’s Ásmegin is no exception to the rule.  Signed to Napalm Records, the new album Arv, which is Norwegian for heritage, is actually the band’s second album and their first in about five years.  In that time span, the band basically took time off while trying to replace band members who had left after the 2003 release of Hin vordende Sod and Sø.  So it should come as no surprise that Ásmegin had a few rust spots to knock off as they came out with Arv.  However, once the band settles in, the results are rather pleasant.

Unlike most of the flavor of the month folk metal bands, Ásmegin prefers a mid-paced approach similar to Lumsk, circa Åsmund Frægdegjevar.  One of the first things the listener will notice about Arv is its rather deliberate pace, which works out rather well, given the band’s intention of telling stories.  For instance, “Fandens Mælkebøtte,” meaning Devil’s Milk Pail, takes on a somewhat sinister tone, yet is done in a manner that is reminiscent of a grandfather telling a tale to the grandchildren.  The multiple vocal approach (male clean, male growling, and female) all add to the atmosphere, as seemingly, each one is representative of a different character within the songs.  All of this is done with a traditional folk overtone that is flexible in fitting whatever mood that the band wants to portray.  One of the best songs on the album is “Prunkende, Stolt I Jokumsol” (Pompously, Proudly in the Sun of Jokum), which is the most traditional folk song of all of the tracks on the album.   For all of the serious folk overtones on the album, Ásmegin can have their jolly moments.  It is just that they aren’t overdone, as some folk metal bands are prone to doing.  The only real gripe that may be considered on the album happens between the 2:30 and 3:20 mark of “Yndifall,” when there is a mostly silent part with only hints of music with a brief growl interrupting things.  It kind of comes off as a little overdramatic, but it really doesn’t take away from the overall product.  The album also has a lot of things to take in, meaning that one listen just isn’t going to be enough.  It provides a challenge to the listener, but once all of the things on the album are figured out, Arv can be a quite rewarding experience.

Those expecting a Finntroll clone should not come looking towards Ásmegin.  However, if you’re a folk purist, then Arv is an album that you should check out.  Alongside Lumsk’s Åsmund Frægdegjevar and Hardingrock’s Grimen, Ásmegin’s Arv is an album that is very good at telling stories of folklore while maintaining a sense of atmosphere.  A nice change of pace if you want to get away from the happy style of folk metal or if you’re interested in folklore, Arv is an album that will merit many listens, even after the folk metal trend has long gone.

Release Date: November 28th, 2008
Label: Napalm Records

TRACK LISTING

1. Fandens Mælkebøtte
2. Hiertbrand
3. Generalen Og Troldharen
4. Arv
5. Yndifall
6. Gengangeren
7. Prunkende, Stolt I
    Jokumsol
8. En Myrmylne

Total playing time: 42:18

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