One thing you’ll notice when listening to King of Asgard‘s “…To North” album is that it has a perfect blend of Norse mythology and melodic death metal riffing. Sound familiar? King of Asgard and Amon Amarth have a lot in common when it comes to song writing and theme. There is more as they share the same label and both come from Sweden. Apparently that country spawns the best bands if you’re wanting your metal to make you raise your swords and shields! King of Asgard is NOT a copy cat band though. There are the obvious similarities but King of Asgard is a great band all on it’s own with their song writing and ability to get a good riff stuck in your head. “…To North” is a very catchy album and I just could not get enough of it! Influenced by Swedish melodic death metal, folk and even a hint of black metal, “…To North” is one of the best albums I’ve heard this year.
I truly love how the album starts, one open power chord and it halts. Followed by a loud horn. Then repeat a few times…let the war drums and some marching begin then it goes straight into the first song. “The Nine Worlds Burn” is the perfect opener as it definitely sets the tone for the rest of the album. Undeniably catchy riffs, drum grooves, bass thunder and frenzied screams all come together to make “…To North” magnificent. Each song I hold dear to my heart as if I was a long time fan. I enjoy this album from beginning to end, I am constantly moving my legs if I am sitting. I am always headbanging. The riffs are bound to my mind! Especially on the track “Up On The Mountain”, I adore the main riff on that track. Each song has a melodic folk death metal thing about it that’s basically everything I could possibly want from this band. Vocally, Karl Beckman nails it. His range isn’t too broad but he changes it up enough to keep things quite interesting through the span of “…To North”. Not to mention him and Lars G Tängmark are the ones creating those delicious riffs that get stuck in my head. These axe men are masters of their craft!
Bass guitar work comes rumbling through low end champion Jonas Albrektsson who brings the constant fury with his rhythmic work. His bass is so audible on this album, I enjoy every single bit of it. The other rhythm master, drummer Karsten Larsson, shows everyone that his drumming is the perfect match for this style of music. His work behind the kit is seemingly flawless and strong. His grooves and power are truly pure gold to my ears. Overall, these gentlemen have blown me away. I really enjoy this album and I honestly do see nothing wrong with it. King of Asgard is one of the best viking themed metal bands out there: Not too folk metal, not too melodic…it’s just right.
Another thing I appreciate about the band is the fact that they bring their own unique sound to the table. Sure it’s Norse melodic death metal, but they do not sound like anyone else. Amon Amarth comes close if you were to compare but even AA sounds nothing like KoA. All hail King of Asgard!!! “…To North” is yet another masterpiece to come out of Sweden and Metal Blade Records. Check them out, you will not regret it.