The one-sheet goes on to claim: "Fusing all of the elements of classic black metal, NWOBHM and classic death metal, Asguard have created an uncoinable genre unto themselves." That says an awful lot and cannot be entirely true. Other bands definitely play this type of music and some have arguably done it better than Asguard. This is not a terrible record by any means, but it is not all that it is cracked up to be.

Originality often suffers for newer or lesser known bands, and such is the case within each subgenre, too. Among these Black Metal and Death Metal can be regarded as the least original of all, with so many bands borrowing liberally from each other and thus often sounding quite similar. Asguard has more in common with Dimmu Borgir than the names referenced on the promo sheet, which include Satyricon, Mayhem, Darkthrone, and Hellhammer. Think "keyboards."

Asguard definitely play decent quality Black Metal with some interesting twists and turns, but "Dreamslave" is not strong enough to warrant repeat listens by me. It does not help that the band play in a perhaps already oversaturated field. If, however, you cannot get enough Dimmu Borgir, Borknagar, or Arcturus to satisfy your craving, definitely give Belarus' finest (and only band?) your attention. Asguard is quite good in the big picture.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 50.28