Potent, promising, and powerful, those are the main takeaways from the impressive debut from multinational black metal duo Asagraum. Featuring vocalist/guitarist Obscura and drummer T. Kolsvart, the group harness the energy, feel, and mysticism of the second-wave masterfully. Potestas Magicum Diaboli certainly sounds like it could have come from Norway circa 1995; I definitely hear some small bits of that classic Swedish melodic style throughout, somewhere between Emperor and Dissection, though there’s a wistful and coiled energy that’s a nice touch. The band don’t quite have their own unique style down pat, but the not-so-quiet fury and aggression that permeates this debut feels like the best path forward for the duo, along with a nice frost-bitten atmosphere.
Oh, did I mention Asagraum are comprised of two female musicians? It’s certainly a rarity, especially in black metal, but I don’t think it’s as important as the quality tunes on display throughout. If these ladies can expand on the potential they’ve displayed on this arrested debut, they will have a bright (or grim) future ahead.
