KARG, barren is Swedish, was the wrong word to use for this album. KARG is further from being barren than a major city is. Metal Blade Records have shown over and over again why they are at the top of the metal community and why we all know them, from the early days of getting METALLICA found, all the way up to their signing of CANNIBAL CORPSE, they show over and over again why the control the metal world. KING OF ASGARD are no different, being on the forefront of Melodic Death Metal (or as some will call it in this case Viking Metal). Yes they've never gone out on tour with AMON AMARTH.

First thing to mention, if you know the past two KING OF ASGARD albums ("Fi'mbulvintr" and "...To North") you're in for a treat, KARG gives everyone their moments in the spotlight. Being a Melodic Death Metal band, vocals and drums obviously never leave the spotlight, but their two released songs so far show that this album have more diversity to it. "The Runes of Hel" is the opening track and was the first song released from the album, with powerful vocals, and great riffs, this song would be the right song to open the album compared to anything else, but its the second song released that was actually the song that pulled me into the album. "Remnant of the Past" has one of the most constant paces to a song you'll find, but its the way the instrumentals change up that held my attention. Throughout a good portion of the song the guitars just sort of... Stop, leaving the bass to dominate. Normally when there is just bass playing its literally just bass, but KING OF ASGARD have realized that with the right vocals, putting those over just bass, sounds absolutely badass!

Special note on the album, right at the end there is a bonus track, "Total Destruction" is a cover of BATHORY. After spending an hour trying to figure out why I knew the song it finally dawned on me (not actually, bassist Jonas Albrektsson told me who it was) and I've never heard such an incredible cover that sounds like the original song, but at the same time sounds completely different. That should be a good enough reason to check it out.

KARG, is currently on the forefront of albums (for me) right now, its the kind of album you'll listen through and not notice its done. Hopefully soon the world will get to see KING OF ASGARD on tour, but until then let this devastating album tide you over until something is announced.