King of Asgard
King of Asgard is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Östergötland, Sweden.[1] The band has released one demo and four full-length albums, most recently taudr in 2017, and is currently signed to Trollmusic.
King of Asgard | |
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King of Asgard performing at Ragnard Rock Festival, France, 2016 | |
Background information | |
Origin | Mjölby/Vadstena/Skänninge/Motala - Östergötland - Sweden |
Genres | Melodic death metal, Viking metal |
Years active | 2008 - Present |
Labels | Trollmusic, Metal Blade Records |
Website | King of Asgard on Facebook |
Members | Karl Beckman, Jonas Albrektsson, Ted Sjulmark, Mathias Westman [1] |
History
Formation, Prince of Maerings demo, and Fi'mbulvintr
King of Asgard was formed in 2008 by Karl Beckman and Karsten Larsson, former members of Viking metal act, Mithotyn. Following the release of their 2009 demo, Prince of Maerings, King of Asgard signed with Metal Blade Records. The band's debut album, Fi'mbulvintr, was released in 2010.
... to North
The band's second record, ... to North, was released by Metal Blade Records in 2012. In early 2012, bassist Jonas Albrektsson was quoted on Blabbermouth as saying, "... to North takes off pretty much where Fi'mbulvintr left off, so to say, with a natural development, more varied songs and structures. It's a development of our sound which will be recognized by old fans." Albrektsson went on to say, "this time around I've been more involved in the writing process along with Karl, which kind of shines through, giving the songs a wider perspective."[2] A video was released for the album's lead single, "The Nine Worlds Burn."
Digipak versions of the album feature a bonus cover of Isengard's "Winterskugge."
Karg
Karg followed in 2014. It would be King of Asgard's final release through longtime label, Metal Blade Records.
Karg's release was preceded on May 19, 2014 by the debut of its first single,[3] "The Runes of Hel," which featured an accompanying video.
Metal Injection noted a shift in the band's musical direction from the style of King of Asgard's previous outings, stating that Karg, "continues to elaborate on their traditional Viking metal, but looming within it is an ominous forecast of the black metal variety."[4]
The album features a cover of Bathory's "Total Destruction."
Signing with Trollmusic, taudr
In 2016, King of Asgard announced they had left Metal Blade Records to join Swedish label Trollmusic. According to the label, the band's fourth release, taudr, was recorded in June, and is expected to see release in October 2016.[5]
On August 16, 2016, King of Asgard announced that the mastering of their new release, taudr, had been completed at Kalthallen Studios.[6] taudr was recorded and mixed by Magnus Andersson at Sweden's Endarker Studios.
Personnel
Current members
Former members
- Karsten Larsson (2008 - 2015) (Drums)
- Lars Tängmark (2010 - 2015) (Guitars)
Discography
Studio Albums
- Fi'mbulvintr (Metal Blade Records, 2010)
- ... to North (Metal Blade Records, 2012)
- Karg (Metal Blade Records, 2014)
- taudr (Trollmusic, 2017)
Demos
- Prince of Maerings (self-released, 2009)
Notes
- "King of Asgard (official)". Facebook. King of Asgard.
- "KING OF ASGARD: New Album Track Listing, Cover Artwork Revealed". Blabbermouth. Blabbermouth. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- The_Wandering_Mage. "King of Asgard - The Runes of Hel". Encyclopaedia Metallum. Encyclopaedia Metallum. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- Nate. "Album Review: King of Asgard's KARG". Metal Injection. Metal Injection. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- "KING OF ASGARD and Trollmusic will spread the deadly plague together!". Trollmusic. Trollmusic. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- "Kalthallen Studios". Facebook. Facebook. Retrieved 16 August 2016.