Edsvuren - Black Smoke Marbled LP

 

On their 12th studio album, MÅNEGARM take the oath with traditional Nordic instruments, thus providing necessary authenticity. Powerful opener “I skogsfruns famn”, an homage to the seductive forest spirit Skogsfru, is a perfect introduction to the world of Nordic myths and a beast of raw aggression and ancient beauty. In contrast, “Till gudars följe” sways warmly in the best company of the gods, transporting the listener to a warm hall of a Viking longhouse – complete with a horn of mead and the irresistible urge to join in resonating chants. The hypnotic black metal influence wrought by riff master Markus Andé and drum druid Jakob Hallegren in “Likgökens fest” prepares for harder battles, while friends of epochal length can listen devoutly to the voice of Erik Grawsiö in “Skild från hugen”. Guest vocalists Ellinor Videfors and Lea Grawsiö Lindström, who have also supported the band on previous albums, once again provide the perfect contrast between harshness and beauty. On title track “Edsvuren”, singer Liv Hope Lenard joins the wolf pack for the first time and provides one of the album’s most breathtaking highlights. On violin, flute and cello, acoustic master Jan Liljekvist is back again for the first time since 2012, especially shining on pieces like “Rodhins hav”.

 

Norse mythology, ancient rites and folkloric wisdom in a relentless frenzy of orchestral finesse - on the battlefield of Viking Metal, only Swedish legends MÅNEGARM can emerge victorious with their thunderous anthems. With over 30 years of battle-tested heritage, MÅNEGARM continue to assert themselves as torchbearers of the genre with Edsvuren.