Within seconds of the opening strains of “Svält,” the introductory track off Åskog’s debut release, Varþnaþer, the band’s Swedish origins become clear. Immediate comparisons with Watain or Dissection are automatically drawn based on the venom with which this duo delivers their musical message. It’s only with time that Varþnaþer evolves into something far more, meeting the pre-release expectations set by their 2020 demo, Varg, which carried aspects of doom and traditional heavy metal on top of its black metal foundations. This evolution grows, and it soon becomes apparent – especially through the varied vocal performances such as the spoken word sections on “Vinter” or the brassy roar on “Tid” – that Varþnaþer is a far more experimental affair. And what’s more, it doesn’t fall prey to the s...