Asrai, a Dutch gothic metal band originating from Schiedam, was formed in 1985 by twin sisters Karin and Margriet. Initially part of Rotterdam's underground scene, before changing their name to Asrai in 1988. Their debut album, As Voices Speak, was released in 1998 under the label Poison Ivy. In 2004, they signed with Transmission Records for their second album Touch in the Dark, which included singles "Pale Light" and "In Front of Me". The band's third studio album, Pearls in Dirt, was released in 2007 under Season of Mist. This period also saw Asrai touring with notable acts such as Cradle of Filth and Moonspell. In 2013, they independently released the EP Between Dreams and Destiny, followed by the anniversary album Hourglass in 2017. They released the digital EP, Shattered Time, in 2020.
