Asagraum - Dawn of Infinite Fire (2019)

Unleashing what is probably one of the top three Black Metal albums of 2019, today we have Asagraum and their sophomore release “Dawn of Infinite Fire”. Fronted by multi-instrumentalist Obscura, this compact outfit delivers an imposing sound filled with hate and brutality. For over 46 minutes, the band ravages through nine tracks of sheer intensity and well crafted melodic passages, keeping the listener at the edge of their seats clamoring for more.

Opening with the dissonant “They Crawl from the Broken Circle”, Asagraum sets a furious standard with pummeling drums, incisive riffs, and a violent bass guitar line. Just like a brick to the face, “The Lightless Inferno” continues the ritual with more brutality and hellish vibes. Delivering a masterful typical melodic BM passage on “Abomination’s Altar”, the band showcases their knack for killer headbanging sections mixed in between their most brutal elements.

Things turn a bit more melodic as tracks like “Guahaihoque”, “Dawn of Infinite Fire” and “Dochters van de Zwarte Vlam” feature some killer melodic guitar passages that bands like Sargeist, Horna, and Bexehen have been popularizing in the last few years. Don’t get us wrong, these tracks are brutal and spiteful in nature, but there is nothing like a perfectly arranged melodic passage to go completely bonkers while headbanging to the music. Our personal favorite track has to be the sinister “Beyond the Black Vortex”, a song with crushing harsh vocals and a very thick and somber atmosphere.

Closing the release with onslaughts like “Hate of Satan’s Hammer” and the moody “Waar ik ben komt de dood” and its haunting clean vocals, Asagraum leaves us on a high note after a truly majestic release. Being only their second release, “Dawn of Infinite Fire” showcases a refined and crafty band that is ready for more exposure and bigger stages. Sticking to the brutality of their music as their strength, this band is one hell of a force to be reckoned with, so don’t miss out on their path to global domination.

Label: Edged Circle Productions

Release: September 13th, 2019

Genre: Black Metal

Country: Netherlands