Release Date March 19th, 2026
Format CD
Genre Neo Folk
Origin France
Askemåne started in Besançon, France, back in 2021 and wasted zero time carving out a niche in the neo-folk scene. They dug deep into Nordic folklore, anchored it with tribal percussion, and wrapped the whole thing in orchestral layers and Eastern textures. The vocals define the vibe, shifting from guttural shouts to massive harmonies. After dropping singles like “Vinter Saga”, “I Rotasjon”, and “Dyaul”, they self-produced “Gravitasjon” in 2024. By late 2025, they brought in fresh blood to expand the vocal arrangements even further. This latest offering, recorded at Medvedkine Studio, shows a group that has moved past their early days to find a more complex identity.
If you’re looking for a record to transport you to a damp forest or a frozen fjord, “Kollisjon” is a hell of a ride. These French folks clearly spent a lot of time obsessing over the atmosphere, because this thing drips with mood. It’s got that Nordic spirit that makes you want to paint your face and head into the woods, but they aren't just carbon copies of the big names. The tribal drumming is the heartbeat here, providing a pulse that keeps the slower, more ethereal moments from drifting off into nothingness.
The vocal work on tracks like “Dégel” and “Syv Aser Og En Elv” is where the real magic happens. They’ve layered the voices so heavily it creates a spiritual weight that sits on your chest. You get those deep, earthy tones clashing against higher harmonies, creating a tension that keeps the ears busy. It’s a huge step up from their earlier stuff, proving the new lineup additions were the right move for the vocal stack. They manage to make the French origin disappear into a sea of ancient, cross-border mysticism.
Musically, the blend of orchestral elements with Eastern colors on “Junoon” and “Sirkelen” prevents the album from becoming a one-note folk slog. It’s got a bit of a bite when it needs it, though it stays firmly in the neo-folk lane. The production handled by Paul Pourchet is crisp enough to hear every string pluck and drum skin vibration, which is crucial for this style. It doesn't get buried in mud, allowing the textures of “Arbeid” and “Lovetann” to actually land where they should.
“Kollisjon” is a journey for anyone who wants their music to have a bit of mystery and a lot of shadow. It’s not trying to be a metal album, but it has a darkness that any metal fan will respect. Askemåne have stepped out of the shadows of their influences and delivered something that stands on its own merits. It’s a journey through the cold that actually manages to stay interesting until the final note of “En Espérant” fades away.
Damage done @: 7.5
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