Back in 2019, I reviewed Asomvel’s “World Shaker” on these pages. I said there was very little light and shade about them, but also this: “No frills. No bullshit and resolutely no fucks given.” It was, I reckoned, “36 minutes of filth and fury”.
Now, I could probably write much the same review of “Set Your World On Fire”. Essentially, it’s doing pretty much the same thing. But it’s not quite that simple. There’s a confidence about Asomvel now, and a sense that they’re finding more within their sound. The songs seem to come with an extra swagger, too.
Next to “King Of The World” in my notes, I’d written simply: “Motörhead”. Let’s assume Asomvel understand that they sound like Motörhead. Of course they understand it. Why wouldn’t they? They want to sound like Motörhead. Ralph Robinson sounds like Lemmy if Lemmy had been gargling with sandpaper and gravel, and there’s something rather glorious about the whole thing.
“Lone Wolf” starts with a solo. I’ve always been a sucker for that, and this one gets its business done straight away. The title track is a beauty of a thing, in fairness, while “Back From The Dead (It’s Your Funeral)” celebrates the sheer glee of rock ’n’ roll. That’s something Asomvel really do understand: the joy of playing this music is all over the record.
“World At War” brings a change of pace. The harshness of Robinson’s voice is stark here, but the solo seems ready to end any conflict by itself. There’s a little more weight to this one, and it gives the album another dimension without losing any of its force.
“Blood Runs Cold” offers the thought that you shouldn’t throw your life away. Maybe Asomvel feel like they’re living their best one right here. Certainly, “Eye Of The Storm” is anything but calm, and the catchiness of these songs cannot be overlooked. You really shouldn’t overlook them, either. If the hooks keep drawing you back, then the crunch and groove of “Your Worst Nightmare” give you plenty more to get your teeth into.
“Into The Fire” has more understated vocals than much of what has gone before, while “If It’s Too Loud, You’re Too Old” is almost their mission statement. You know they’re playing this live. I’m in my 50s and it’s not too loud for me. Look at the name of the website, boys.
“Take You To Hell” makes a threat that seems real enough if you ask me, before “Light ’Em Up” adds a Thin Lizzy flavour to the riffing and sees the record out with considerable relish.
Five albums into this, Asomvel seem to know exactly what they’re doing, and they just get better and better at doing it. They are the very epitome of rock ’n’ roll.
And speaking as someone who used to go and watch Lemmy and Motörhead every November, that’s high praise indeed.
Rating: 8/10
