Let's be honest here with a knowledge of Russian metal scene that verges on the non existent I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from Asgård.  On The Verge, which is produced by Mikael Andersson and Martin Hansen who worked on The Rasmus’ Dead Letters album, is predominately based on power rock/metal and also hints at progressive elements with some subtle influences of NWOBHM all wrapped up with a theatrical feel. 

Actually there’s something addictive about the album. On the first listen the shriek that singer Alexander Savchenko greets you with on ‘Sermon Of Mephistopheles’ may be enough to put listeners off right away but with each listen the album gets better and better that eventually you cannot help but be impressed, especially with the great guitar work of Evgeny Grebinnikov. 

There is enough to keep any fan of power metal entertained here, at times they have similarities to the likes of Firewind, Avantasia (with some cheesy, but decent enough, ballads on the album such as ‘Frozen Void’) and the theatrical feel of Kamelot. The band also mix things up enough as well so the album doesn't come across as one paced, from the fast instrumental ‘Presto Evolution In G-Dur’, which starts off with a somewhat classical meets folk music feel, to  the more traditional hard rocking of ‘The Eternal Road’ which closes the album out. The only things that may potentially put people off are the strong accent of Savchenko and the keyboards that are very prominent in the mix.  However, On The Verge is an entertaining listen that will suit fans of power metal bands who also appreciate something that little bit different.

Darren Brushneen