Basque black metal project Aschen has unveiled the official video for “Azken Arbolak”, a standout track from the band’s acclaimed debut album, The Never Ending Search, available now via WormHoleDeath. The album’s CD edition will be released worldwide on July 31, 2026, followed by the Japanese edition on August 28, 2026.
“Azken Arbolak” (“The Last Trees”) is an ecological manifesto that denounces the destruction of the natural world at the hands of humankind while portraying the epic resistance of the last remaining trees. Described poetically as the guardians of the Earth, they connect the underworld with the stars and endure countless hardships across millennia. Ultimately, the song carries a message of hope, foretelling the triumph of nature over human arrogance and willful blindness.
The video was filmed in the forests of the Basque Country, with nearly all locations captured in the Nafarroa region.
Since its release, The Never Ending Search has received widespread praise from the international metal press:
“Aschen are a very great sounding modern black metal band, and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this album.” — Occult Black Metal Zine
“The Never Ending Search stands out as a solid debut, remarkable for both its musical approach and its conceptual ambition. Aschen embraces a vision that blends aggression, atmosphere, and reflection.” — TNT Radio Rock
“It’s an album that requires multiple listens, demands your attention, and ultimately rewards you with an emotional depth few achieve these days. If this is the level of their debut album, Aschen’s future looks as bright as the darkness they cultivate.” (9.3/10) — Eternal Metal (Chile)
“Nine tracks that provide a fantastic introduction to a career that shows great promise.” — Mondo Sonoro
About ASCHEN
Founded in 2022 by Mikel Telletxea (vocals, guitar, programming), Aschen has grown from a solo vision into a powerful creative partnership with the addition of bassist Atauzz (Korkut, Kurkuma, 2Sonte).
The duo recorded the debut at Atala Studios in Spain, ensuring the project’s raw energy was captured with precision. To achieve a massive, professional finish, the album was mastered by Toni Lindgren at the world-renowned Fascination Street Studios in Sweden—the same hands behind the sound of heavyweights like Dimmu Borgir, Katatonia, and Kreator.
The Sound of Aschen
Aschen’s approach to black metal is both aggressive and expansive. By blending traditional frost-bitten roots with doom-laden atmosphere and technical blast beats, the band creates a soundscape that is as melodic as it is punishing. Lyrically, they bridge the gap between English and Basque, exploring themes of psychological fracture and environmental decay that go far beyond standard genre tropes.