Vargstenen, the latest album by MÅNEGARM, is a real gem of heathen metal. What the Swedish musicians present here definitely stands out from the mass of releases in the great field of Viking-, Pagan Metal (or whatever you may call it).
Fire, anger, sorrow, melancholy and pride - words that come straight to my mind when speaking about this album. Here you won’t find cheesy sing-a-longs for your next mead filled Viking party.
Right after the first listen of this album it is clear that all members are into it with heart and soul, with deep passion and a positive sense of seriousness.
Musically the listener will find a healthy mixture of melody and well placed dose of blasting frenzy. Even a few purely acoustic folksongs are to be found. As on earlier recordings a violin plays a major role used on Vargstenen, too. The somewhat creaky sound of the violin is very fitting and transports a very hard to describe archaic feeling.
Added to the electric guitars that are mainly played in a nearly classic metal way are various acoustic parts which strongly underline the sound’s authentic spirit.
But what I personally liked best are the vocals. They switch between death metal like (but understandable) growls and a clear voice. And especially the clear vocals do it for me. No, technically the vocalist is not that outstanding. But he sings with so much power, so much spirit. It is his voice which transports the mentioned feelings of anger, sorrow, pride and deep passion.
One just got to hear the fantastic and in some kind angry melancholic-rocking Vedergällningens Tid, En Fallen Fader with its brilliant break and the title-track. Outstanding! You can’t get your Viking metal hardly better or more intensive than on this album!