Asgrauw/Solips/Void Wanderer Productions/Zwaertgevegt/Hidden Marly Production/Jems Label/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Netherlands'  Asgrauw  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  old  school  style  of  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "Solips"  which  will  be  released  in  November  as  a  joint  effort  between  Void  Wanderer  Productions,  Zwaertgevegt,  Hidden  Marly  Production  and  Jems  Label.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  start  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  some  angry  shouts  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  old  school  era  of  the  genre  and  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  synths  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  guitar  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  introduced  into  the  music.

  On  this  recording  Asgrauw  takes  their  old  school  style  of  black  metal  into  more  of  an  atmospheric  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  mythology,  apocalyptic  themes,  the  origins  of  humanity  and  cosmic  narratives.    

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Asgrauw  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Verblind"  "Schaduwganger"  and  "Nadirflux".  8  out  of  10.

LP: https://www.zwaertgevegt.nl/product/asgrauw-solips-12-black-vinyl/

Color-LP: https://www.zwaertgevegt.nl/product/asgrauw-solips-12-red-blue-swirl/
CD: https://zerodimensionalrecords.bigcartel.com/product/hmpcd
MC: https://www.zwaertgevegt.nl/product/asgrauw-solips/
US-MC: https://www.jemslabel.com/asgrauw-solips-cassette-preorder
Merch: https://voidwanderer.com/product/asgrauw-solips-merch-preorder
Digital: https://asgrauw.bandcamp.com/

    

Asgrauw/Oorsprong/Zwaertgevegt/Hiddlen MarlyProduction/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Netherlands's  Asgrauw  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a review  of  their  2024  album  "Oorsprong"  which  will be   released  on  Halloween  as  a  joint  effort  between  Zwaertgevegt  and  Hidden  Marly  Production.

  A  very  sci-fi  orientated  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  yet  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.  Synths  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album.

  A  couple  of  the  songs  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  finally  introduced  on  the  album  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  at  times  the  vocals  also  bring  in  more  of  a  deep  and  demonic  touch.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Dutch  and  cover  tales  of  creation  and  the  dawn  of  civilization.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Asgrauw  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Eridu"  "Weeral"  and  "Heimwee".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/Asgrauw

https://www.instagram.com/Asgrauw/

Hellevaerder/Duindwaler/Schavot/Asgrauw/Verloren Vertellingen/Zwaertgevegt/2023 4 Way Split Album Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  4  way  split  album  between  Netherlands's  Hellevaerder,  Duindwaler,  Schavot  and  Asgrauw  called  "Verloren  Vertellingen"  which  will  be  released  on  october  13,  2023  by  Zwaertgevegt  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Hellevaerder  a  band  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  fast  and  raw  sound  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal s creams  as  well  as  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era. 

    The  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  growls c and  clear  singing can  also  be  heard  at  times.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and r aw  and  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Dutch  and  cover  anxiety,  darkness,  death,  occultism  and  philosophy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Hellevaerder  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Als  de  nacht  wederkeert".

  Next  up  is  Duindwaler  a  band  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  start s out  with  a  very  fast  and  raw  sound  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Most  of t heir  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  while  the  vocals  bring  in  a  mixture  of  growls  and  black  metal  screams.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  good  combination  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Dutch  and  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Duindwaler  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  ae  a  fan  of t his  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Alles  is  vet  waard".

  Next  up  is  Schavot  a  band  that  plays  a  a  very  atmospheric  old  school  form  of  black  emtal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  nature  sounds  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  which  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.  Synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while  all  of t he  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  the  tracks  also  adding  in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  clear  vocals  and  growls  are  also  utilized  briefly,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  added  into  the  music  they  also  remain  true  to  an  old  school  style  and  thunder  sounds  are  added  on  the  closing  track  which  also  adds  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  and  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Dutch  and  cover  folk  tales.

  In  my  opinion  Schavot  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of t his  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of t he  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Waart  oe!".

  Next  up  is  Asgrauw  who  return  with  their  old  school  style  of  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  small  amount  of  field  recordings  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them while  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  when t he  music  speeds  up  a  lot  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.   

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  music  being  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.  The  tracks  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  spoken  words  and  synths  also  being  utilized  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  and  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Dutch  and  cover  apocalyptic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Asgrauw  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Na.chtgra.ver".

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  soundign  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  Dutch  black  metal.  8 out  of  10.

  https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Asgrauw/3540344621

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Schavot/3540495541#

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Hellevaerder/3540442259#

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Duindwaler/3540484339  

  

                   

Asgrauw/IJsval/Death Kvlt Productions/2020 Full Length Review

  Asgrauw  are  a  band  from  the  Netherlands  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  an  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "IJSval"  which  will  be  released  in  2020  by  Death  Kvlt  Productions.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  angry  yet  spoken  vocals  a  few  seconds  later which  evolve  into  grim  black  metal screams.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  power  sound  to  them  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also b e  heard.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  style.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Synths  can  also  be  heard  in  the  background  at  times  and  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing.  One  of  the  tracks  is  also  very  long  and   epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  classical  guitars  can  be  heard,  battle  sounds  can  also  be  heard  briefly  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Dutch  and  cover  apocalyptic  and  misanthropic  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Asgrauw  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "IJsval"  "Broeihaard"  and  "Wanorde".  8  out  of  10.

asgrauw.bandcamp.com

Asgrauw Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

Asgrauw is busy rehearsing and writing new material. Since our new album ‘Gronspech’ was finished, we blasted off writing a couple of icy tracks for a new concept split or EP.

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

In 2010, Asgrauw  started as a raw, straightforward no-nonsense old skool black metal band. Since, we went in a more atmospheric direction that you find on ‘Krater’. The new album ‘Gronspech’ builds on this and is more varied. With added spoken words, synths, field recorded samples and distorted bass lines. Asgrauw worships 2th wave of Scandinavian Black metal. We’re heavily influenced by bands from the golden era like Ulver, Arckanum, Dodheimsgard, Emperor and Dimmu Borgir. But we break those nineties boundaries by adding personal touches to the music. Every band membe adds something unique to our sound. Kaos is rooted in pissed-off streetpunk, while Faal likes raw and unpolished black metal. Batr is nostalgic about atmospheric 2th wave black metal, while he’s into fusion jazz and psychedelic music. Throw these influences in a rusty old concrete-mixer and there’s Asgrauw.

3.On the website you have also cited an infleunce from the People's Temple suicides in the 70's, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this cult?

We’ve released the “Utopia” 7 inch split with Meslamtaea. Both sides of this vinyl record deal about our pessimistic view on mankind. The Peoples Temple was guided by the charismatic megalomaniac Jim Jones that became a ‘God’ for his brainwashed, fear-filled community. At the end, their rainforest paradise was crushed and Jim accompanied his people to death with poison. In our views, this is not much different from what’s happening with the world on a global scale.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore on the new album?

We always write lyrics about topics that interest us, and those often differ from the average black metal themes. We keep all the lyrics for ourselves. The second album 'Krater' is about the post-apocalyptic world after an exploding supervulcano, which is unfortunately a realistic vision (Yellowstone). The new album 'Gronspech' is something different and it sounds more nature-inspired. Gronspech was the first name of the town Groesbeek: a name that was written on a document from year 1040. Asgrauw is rehearsing in Groesbeek, and two of our  members have their roots in this town. Hence the above-average interest in local history, old stories and legends from Groesbeek.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Asgrauw'?

The band name Asgrauw has multiple facets. Asgrauw is a ash-grey color, a state of mind and a moonphase. Every meaning of the word is negative. Just like us.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Good performances? Well, most of our gigs are in local dirty shitholes for a handful of drunken people. ‘Sathanas in Gloriam’ in Baroeg was definitely a highlight for the band (as far as one can speak about a highlight), and Diabolical Echoes in Maddogs (in our hometown Groesbeek). Both are quality black metal festivals. We perform our shows with lack of any stage-entertainment. We only play for ourselves. In a number of live reviews we are blamed for that. Good! For us it’s only about the music and the negative atmosphere that it breaths. There’s no fun involved and the band is introvert and apathetic. Don’t like it? Don’t book us. In a live-situation we are a completely different band than on our records. On a stage we are a rancid black-punk trio. We play everything (too) fast, dirty and loud, while on the records we are much in control.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

No.

8.In 2017 you where a part of a split with 'Meslamtaea', what are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?

Meslamtaea is a one-man project and that guy is our drummer and producer. So we can’t say what we really think about his music, haha!  Meslamtaea is a unconventional black metal project that was raised 20 years ago. Everything has been played by Batr himself. On the 7 inch, though, Kaos contributed with spoken poetry. This went out so well, that he did this on our new album Gronspech very frequently.


9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?

It’s always pretty much quiet and silent around the band and that is because we do not put effort into promotion. We’re in the rehearsing room rather than on Facebook, where the whole black metal thing seem to happen these days. Fuck that shit. Asgrauw was raised only for ourselves and we have no ambition to become Internet pop-stars. Black metal is a bit of a thing from the past for us, we're nostalgic about the times of cassettes and vinyl and copied black/white zines. Asgrauw’s only purpose is to expose our induvidual negative emotions in an expressive way.

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the other band members are a part of?

We don’t have 10.000 noisy drumcomputer projects going on, desperately hoping for one that becomes the new hype. Asgrauw is no #1 priority for every bandmember. Faal is also guitarist in Walpurgisnacht and Batr is multi-instrumentalist in his projects Sagenland & Meslamtaea, while he's doing session work for bands like Cultus and Heervader.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We follow our own individual and egocentric path and we never know what happens next week. We are working on new material that is more difficult and diverse to play than what we’ve done before. But a hateful, cold and atmospheric sound always predominates.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We listen a wide variety of music. Of course old skool black metal, mostly 90's stuff. But we also put much inspiration from street punk, fusion jazz and 70’s psychedelic stuff.  Don’t like it? Good!

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

No

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Asgrauw/Gronspech/Hidden Marly Production/2018 Full Length Review

  Asgrauw  are  a  band  from  the  Netherlands  that  plays  an  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album "Gronspech"  which  was  released  by  Hidden  Marly  Production.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  atmospheric  keys  in  the  background  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  and  also  gives  the  songs  a  more  raw  feeling.

  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  music  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's,  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  nature  sounds  can  be  heard  and  a  couple  of  the  songs  are  long  and  epic  in  length  and  some  of  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  Asgrauw  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  raw  and  atmospheric  in  the  early  90's  tradition,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Dutch  and  cover  apocalyptic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Asgrauw  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Wovenbode"  "Kiste  Trui"  "Galegeheij"  and  "Grafwegen".  8  out  of  10.

https://heidenshart.bandcamp.com/album/gronspech