Swedish Viking metal veterans Månegarm has carried the torch of Nordic metal for
three decades, and in 2025 they return with their twelfth studio album, “Edsvuren”.
Formed in 1995 in Norrtälje, the band has built a reputation for fusing black
and folk metal with traditional Scandinavian instruments and epic storytelling
rooted in Norse mythology. Their journey has taken them from underground cult
beginnings to main stages at festivals like Summer
Breeze and Ragnarök, earning them a
fiercely loyal fanbase worldwide. With vocalist and bassist Erik Grawsiö, guitarist Markus
Andé, and drummer Jakob Hallegren forming
the current lineup, Månegarm remains one of
the genre’s strongest forces.
On “Edsvuren”,
the wolves of Norrtälje embrace their aggressive roots and their melodic heart.
From the beginning of “I Skogsfruns Famn,” the listener is drawn into a world
of forest spirits and ancient battles, carried on waves of heavy riffs, primal
drumming, and Grawsiö’s signature roar. This
album is more than raw power—songs like “Till Gudars Följe” bring warmth and
celebration, evoking images of longhouse feasts where voices rise together in
chants over flowing mead.
The balance between harshness and beauty is one of Månegarm’s greatest strengths, and it is heard again throughout “Edsvuren”. Tracks such as “Skild Från Hugen” and “Likgökens Fest” lean into darker, more forceful territory, while the return of violinist Martin Björklund adds depth and folk authenticity to tracks like “Rodhins Hav.” Guest voices play a key role as well. Ellinor Videfors and Lea Grawsiö Lindström bring ethereal contrast, while newcomer Liv Hope Lenard on the title track offers a stunning new texture to Månegarm’s sound.
The album
flows between thunderous hymns and atmospheric interludes, weaving stories of
gods, battles, and timeless oaths. Each element, whether the pounding drums,
roaring riffs, or melodic folk instrumentation, comes together in a way that
strengthens the whole, keeping the intensity alive from start to finish. With “Edsvuren”,
Månegarm reaffirm why they have remained at
the heart of Viking metal for thirty years. It is an album fierce and triumphant,
steeped in tradition and full of life, destined to echo in the halls of their
devoted followers for years to come.
Score:
8.5
https://www.instagram.com/manegarmofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/user/Manegarmofficial
https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/6jQgWQKirZ7IKDGN8fRtdA
No comments:
Post a Comment