When I saw Asenheim was described as epic black metal, I was interested because other than the more savage bands, I like bands that have an epic feel to them. I can hear perhaps some Manowar influence in the riffing, as well as Viking-era Bathory and perhaps Iron Maiden. I like the symphonic elements here, but I feel like this could be even more epic with choirs added, but that's just my preference. They do a fine job with what they've used here. Even though I can't speak German, I can clearly tell this record (the band's tenth full length) is about Tolkien, with song titles like "Im Lande Mordor," and "Das Juwel von Erebor." I do like when the band has a guitar melody playing overtop the main riffs and keys, it makes the music soar. Big melodies and dramatic riffs are what this band does best. Keep in mind this is more traditionally black metal than I had anticipated, so the true-heads out there might like this as well. This releases in April this year.
