Michael Poulsen, the frontman of Volbeat, has embarked on a thrilling new venture with his death metal project, Asinhell. The band, which also features Marc Grewe from Insidious Disease and ex-Morgoth, along with Morten Toft Hansen from Raunchy, recently performed at the UK’s Download Festival, marking a significant milestone in their burgeoning career.
Asinhell’s debut album, “Impii Hora,” released last September via Metal Blade Records, has been met with enthusiastic acclaim. The band kicked off their European tour with a debut performance at Pumphuset in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 30. This tour includes a mix of festival appearances and intimate club shows, with support from bands like Endseeker, Alien Weaponry, and Sickomania.
Poulsen, who has been a prominent figure in the rock and metal scene for over two decades with Volbeat, has returned to his death metal roots with Asinhell. Before Volbeat, Poulsen was the driving force behind the death metal band Dominus, which released four albums in the mid-’90s. The formation of Asinhell allowed Poulsen to revisit the genre that initially ignited his passion for music.
The idea for Asinhell began to take shape while Poulsen was working on Volbeat’s 2021 album, “Servant of the Mind.” During the writing process, he found himself creating death metal riffs that he set aside for a future project. The pandemic provided the perfect opportunity for Poulsen to dive into these riffs and develop them into full-fledged songs for Asinhell.
Poulsen enlisted the help of his longtime friend and neighbor, Morten Toft Hansen, to lay down the drum tracks. The two would jam in Hansen’s garage, reminiscent of their teenage years, creating a raw and authentic sound. Poulsen then reached out to Marc Grewe, whose powerful death metal vocals he had long admired, to complete the lineup.
The band’s debut album, “Impii Hora,” is a tribute to Poulsen’s favorite old-school death metal bands, featuring crushing riffs and memorable hooks. The album was produced by Jacob Hansen, who also played bass on the record. Flemming C. Lund from The Arcane Order contributed lead guitar, adding a layer of complexity to the album’s sound.
Asinhell’s performance at the Download Festival was a highlight of their tour, showcasing their intense energy and musicianship. The band’s setlist included tracks from “Impii Hora,” which have been praised for their homage to classic death metal while incorporating modern elements.
Poulsen expressed his excitement about bringing Asinhell to the stage, stating, “It’s time to bring the Asinhell show to life! Can’t wait to go out and share the metal and horns with you all. See you ghouls out there very soon.” Grewe echoed this sentiment, adding, “Asinhell was never planned as a live band, but after the overwhelming reactions to our debut album, we all had the same impulse: ‘we have to bring the songs to the stage!'”
The band’s tour continues with several dates across Europe, including performances at Rock Am Ring, Rock Im Park, Nova Rock, Graspop Metal Meeting, and Hellfest. Each show promises to deliver the raw power and intensity that Asinhell has become known for.
For Poulsen, Asinhell represents a return to his musical roots and a chance to explore the genre that first inspired him. The band’s formation and subsequent success are a testament to the enduring appeal of death metal and Poulsen’s ability to evolve as an artist while staying true to his influences.
Asinhell’s journey is just beginning, and fans can look forward to more electrifying performances and new music from this formidable death metal outfit. With Poulsen, Grewe, and Hansen at the helm, Asinhell is poised to make a significant impact on the metal scene, bringing their unique blend of old-school and modern death metal to audiences worldwide.
