Asmegin formed in 1998, with the goal being to blend black metal with traditional folk melodies. And that's exactly what they have accomplished on their debut Hin Vordende Sod & Sø, the band mixing frenzied black metal with viking and folk influences (the latter accentuated by some fine violin work courtesy of Ram-Zet's Sareeta, now a permanent member of the band), forging a pretty unique and very well-developed style. Guest vocalist Lars Nedland (Solefald, and for a time an official band member here) lends a hand here, his unmistakeable clear voice providing an effective contrast to the traditional black roars of Bjørn Olav Holter. Only one album into their career and this band already has a firm grasp of where they want to go. A fine band indeed.