Månegarm - Nattväsen

November 11, 2009

Reviewer: Peter

Månegarm is a relatively familiar name within the folk metal scene amongst the most ardent of folk metal fans.  However, despite the fact that they have been in existence for a better part of the decade, they remain unknown to a larger part of the metal crowd.  The 2007 release of Vargstenen, combined with an appearance at the second Heathen Crusade Festival that year, was an attempt to get the band’s foot in the door with the North American audience.  That combination proved to be a good start for the band, as the album was one of the best of that year.

Now, in 2009, Månegarm attempts to take it one step further with a new album and new record label.  The new album Nattväsen is the band’s seventh full length effort and their first with Regain Records.  While it isn’t as good as Vargstenen, it is a solid effort along the lines of Dödsfärd, which should be enough for longtime fans of Månegarm, as well as encourage new fans into checking out some of their older material.

On Nattväsen, Månegarm makes it clear that the heavy side of their music has always been there, but one of the things that is in less abundance from the first couple of songs is the folk element that balances out the music.  Sure, on “Nattsjäl, Drömsjäl” there are some hints of the folk elements, but for the most part, the heavy elements take center stage.  That isn’t to say the album isn’t listenable, but it will take a little time to adjust to the subtle change in style from Vargstenen.  That is about the only real complaint about the new Månegarm release, as the entire album offers nine solid songs worth of material.  The vocals show a range similar to Vargstenen, the guitars provide the glue that holds everything together, and the violin adds a nice touch to the heavy sound.  The folk elements that are present take on a darker feel, which further provides the music with a sense of direction, as is the case on “I den Svartaste Jord.”  The newer fans of the band will likely need a little time to adjust to the album while those who have been into the band longer will take to it sooner. 

Overall, Nattväsen is a fairly typical Månegarm album in that there are the usual heavy elements mixed in with the folk elements.  The thing that makes it work on this album, as has been the case on all Månegarm albums, is the ability to subtly adjust the music to fit the mood that they want for the albums.  Whether it is the traditional, old style that was present on Vargstenen or a darker mood on Nattväsen, Månegarm is the musical equivalent of a chameleon.  It will take some time to adjust to the music for some, but once it connects, the music won’t be leaving the playlist for a while.

Release Date: November 19, 2009
Label: Regain Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Mina Fäders Hall
2.  Nattsjäl, Drömsjäl
3.  Bergagasten
4.  I den Svartaste Jord
5.  Hraesvelg
6.  Vetrarmegin
7.  Draugen
8.  Nattväsen
9.  Delling

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