ASGARD - In the Ancient Days 12" Vinyl LP Album Cover Gallery and Description

Asgard is a Dutch Power/Thrash metal which was originally named "Angel Dust". This is the only one official album: "In the ancient days". Rene Tholen, Peter Visscher, Harry Gravers, Appie van der Lei and Catrinus Homan originally started the "Angel Dust" band in Emmer-Compascuum, in the Dutch province Drenthe (Drenthe is known as the birthplace of the Polder-Blues band Cuby and the Blizzards.) Around 1985 "Angel Dust" was disbanded and Appie van der Lei , Catrinus Homan, Harry Gravers, Peter Visscher and Rene Tholen continued as the ASGARD band. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

large enhanced photo of album front cover
Asgard - In the Ancient Days: Dutch Power/Thrash Metal's Unsung Hero
Album Description:

Released in 1986, Asgard's "In the Ancient Days" stands as a hidden gem in the European heavy metal landscape. This 12" vinyl LP, while not achieving widespread commercial success, captured the raw energy and melodic sensibilities of the emerging power/thrash metal scene.

Historical Context

The mid-1980s marked a period of intense creativity and innovation in heavy metal. While American and British bands dominated the mainstream, European bands were forging their own path, blending diverse influences and styles. Asgard emerged from the Dutch metal scene, contributing their unique sound to this burgeoning movement.

Musical Exploration

"In the Ancient Days" showcases Asgard's musical exploration within the power/thrash metal genre. The album features a blend of fast-paced, aggressive riffs with soaring vocals and melodic guitar lines. This fusion of power and thrash metal elements created a distinctive sound that resonated with fans of both styles.

Music Genre

Asgard firmly belongs to the power/thrash metal genre, a subgenre that emerged in the mid-1980s, combining the speed and aggression of thrash metal with the melodic sensibilities of power metal. "In the Ancient Days" exemplifies this genre, showcasing its dynamic energy, technical proficiency, and fantastical lyrical themes.

Production Team and Recording Studio

The album was produced by Ingo Nowotny, a German producer known for his work with other heavy metal bands. The recording studio, while not explicitly mentioned, was likely a professional facility that allowed Asgard to capture the full force of their sound.

Shredding from the Lowlands: A Look Back at Asgard, the Dutch Speed Metal Force (Updated Tracklist)
ASGARD Band Description:

Dutch extreme metal is a force to be reckoned with, but amidst the brutality of death metal and the atmospheric expanse of black metal, a lesser-known gem lies in the archives: Asgard. This short-lived speed metal band from the mid-80s carved their niche with a blistering brand of metal, leaving behind a legacy of shredding riffs and untamed energy.

Formed in the fertile ground of the European speed metal movement, Asgard unleashed two demos before their sole full-length album, "In the Ancient Days," in the mid-80s. While details remain scarce, the music speaks volumes. Tracks like "Warfare" and "Metalized" (assuming these were from the demos) are likely testaments to their dedication to the genre's core tenets: lightning-fast tempos, soaring vocals, and guitar work that would make your neck ache in the best way possible.

Unlike their Teutonic counterparts, Asgard may not have possessed the same level of technical prowess, but they made up for it with raw aggression and a sense of untamed chaos. Their music, based on the available tracklist, seems to offer a diverse experience. "Witches Brew" at over 7 minutes suggests a potential epic, while "Granadinas" at a mere 1:15 hints at a possible instrumental interlude or a quick burst of energy. Tracks like "Before the Morning," "High Society," and "Metal Tonight" all point towards the band's commitment to speed and adrenaline-pumping anthems.

The reasons behind Asgard's disbandment are lost to time. Perhaps they fell victim to the shifting tides of the metal scene, or maybe the internal fire that fueled their music simply burned out. Regardless, "In the Ancient Days" remains a potent reminder of their short-lived reign.

Unearthing the Lost Tracks

Unfortunately, finding recordings of Asgard's music can be a challenge. The physical copies of "In the Ancient Days" are likely rare collector's items, and digital traces online may be scarce. However, persistent metalheads can keep an eye out on online forums and collectors groups dedicated to preserving obscure metal. The hunt itself might just be part of the allure in rediscovering this lost treasure of Dutch speed metal.

Collector's notes ( detailed background information on the persons working on this album)

Album Fact Sheet: ASGARD - In the Ancient Days

Music Genre:

 Speed/Thrash Metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "ASGARD - In the Ancient Days" was produced by: Ingo Nowotny Music Enterprises

Ingo Nowotny is a German producer and former musician from Usingen. He founded at least four rock (later Nazi/RAC) labels and/or publishing companies: Metal Enterprises, Nowotny Music Enterprises, Nowotny's Noize and IN Career Development. Ingo Nowotny is from Usingen in Germany and is known for the production of several Heavy Metal albums in the late 1980s. Bands for which he produced albums include: Asgard , Beast, Black Virgin, Blowin Free, Bohse Onkelz, Break Point, Burning Vision, Escape, Expect No Mercy, Extreme Napalm, Godzilla, Kahlkopf, Reaper, Think of Misery.

Executive Producer: V I N O (Vino)

This album was mastered at: Studio-Nord-Bremen

Album cover painting: Ken Kelly , L+Z Grafik&Design

Ken W. Kelly is an American fantasy artist and illustrator who has made a significant impact on the world of visual arts with his breathtaking creations. Born on 19 October 1946, in New London, Connecticut, Ken's early fascination with art and imagination laid the foundation for his illustrious career.

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From a young age, Kelly exhibited a natural talent for drawing and painting. He found inspiration in the works of renowned artists such as Frank Frazetta and Roy Krenkel, who had a profound influence on his artistic style. Ken's passion for fantasy and science fiction genres grew, fueling his desire to bring the realms of the imagination to life through his artwork.

In the early 1970s, Ken W. Kelly gained recognition for his remarkable talent when he was commissioned to create cover art for rock albums. His iconic artwork graced the covers of albums for legendary bands such as KISS, Manowar, and Rainbow. These album covers became synonymous with the music and helped shape the visual identity of these bands, cementing Ken's reputation as a master of fantasy art.

Ken's artwork is characterized by its vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and attention to detail. His ability to capture the essence of fantastical creatures, landscapes, and heroic figures brought his illustrations to life, captivating viewers and transporting them to otherworldly realms. Ken's unique artistic vision and technical prowess made him a sought-after illustrator for book covers, role-playing games, and collectible card games.

Throughout his career, Ken W. Kelly has collaborated with numerous renowned authors and publishers, including working on covers for novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E. Howard, and Michael Moorcock. His artwork has adorned the covers of fantasy and science fiction novels, immersing readers in the worlds created by these talented authors.

Beyond his contributions to the realms of music and literature, Ken's artwork has been featured in galleries and exhibitions worldwide. His work continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts and aspiring artists alike. Ken's ability to convey the essence of epic battles, mythical creatures, and heroic adventures has left an indelible mark on the world of fantasy art.

Ken W. Kelly's achievements and contributions to the field of fantasy art have garnered him a dedicated fan base and numerous accolades. His artwork remains timeless, inviting viewers to step into the fantastical worlds he brings to life on canvas.

As a visionary artist, Ken W. Kelly's legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and enthusiasts, ensuring that his imagination and creativity endure in the world of fantasy art history. His ability to transport viewers to realms of awe-inspiring beauty and imagination has solidified his place as one of the most celebrated fantasy artists of his time.

Ken W. Kelly has created artwork for several notable album covers, including:

1. KISS - "Destroyer" (1976): Ken W. Kelly's artwork for this album cover features the iconic KISS band members in a post-apocalyptic setting, surrounded by flames and destruction.

2. KISS - "Love Gun" (1977): Ken W. Kelly's cover art for this album showcases the KISS band members as superheroes, with Gene Simmons as "The Demon", Paul Stanley as "Starchild", Ace Frehley as "Spaceman", and Peter Criss as "Catman".

3. KISS - "Rock and Roll Over" (1976): Ken W. Kelly's artwork for this album cover features a close-up of the iconic KISS logo, with each band member's face appearing within the letters.

4. Manowar - "Hail to England" (1984): Ken W. Kelly's artwork for this album cover depicts a warrior raising his sword in triumph, surrounded by a battlefield and an epic sky.

5. Rainbow - "Rising" (1976): Ken W. Kelly's cover art for this album features a powerful and majestic rainbow rising over a mountain landscape, with stormy clouds and lightning.

These album covers are just a few examples of Ken W. Kelly's contribution to the world of music and his ability to create captivating imagery that perfectly complements the spirit and essence of the music contained within.

 

Album cover photography: Lino Schäfer

Record Label Information:

 Noise International N 0054 LC 9066 / 06 4412 SPV GMBH
Record Format 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

  1986 Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: ASGARD - In the Ancient Days
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Rene Tholen - Vocals
  • Peter Visscher - Bass
  • Harry Gravers - Drums
  • Appie Van Der Lei - Guitars
  • Catrinus Homan - Guitars
Complete Track-listing of the album "ASGARD - In the Ancient Days"

The detailed tracklist of this record "ASGARD - In the Ancient Days" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Before The Morning 3:23
  2. High Society 3:46
  3. Witches Brew 7:04
  4. Possessed By Evil 3:57
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Hounds Of Hell 4:48
  2. Screaming Knight 5:08
  3. Granadinas 1:15
  4. Metal Tonight 5:32
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "ASGARD - In the Ancient Days"
High Resolution Photo #20 ASGARD - In the Ancient Days
The album cover of "In the Ancient Days" by Asgard, painted by Ken Kelly, features a battle scene set against a backdrop of a fiery sky, as I previously mentioned. However, the figure in the foreground is wielding a powerful bow, loaded with an arrow nocked and aimed upwards. He is clad in full plate armor, presumably representing the Norse god Asgard, and stands triumphantly facing off against several winged demons with glowing red eyes and sharp claws.

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Album Back Cover  Photo of "ASGARD - In the Ancient Days"
High Resolution Photo #21 ASGARD - In the Ancient Days  
Photo of "ASGARD - In the Ancient Days" 12" LP Record - Side One:
High Resolution Photo #22 ASGARD - In the Ancient Days  
Photo of "ASGARD - In the Ancient Days" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
High Resolution Photo #23 ASGARD - In the Ancient Days  
Dutch Heavy Metal bands

Asgard   ,   Bodine   ,   Vengeance