Månegarm Discography

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Månegarm was founded in 1995 under the name Antikrist. In 1996 they changed there name to Månegarm and released their first demo Vargaresa. After it's recording there was a lineup change and with that change they began focusing on there iconic viking metal sound. They then released their second demo Ur Nattvindar which infused folk elements into there music as well as female vocals (always a plus btw). They were then signed to Displeased Records. Soon after the band was faced with another lineup change with yet another vocalist. With the new vocalist, they started recording there first album, Nordstjärnans Tidsålder and it was released in 1998. It was a major improvement of there first two demos and started their ever evolving sound. Much to my chagrin it felt like black metal with folk influences rather than viking metal though by the sound alone it was clear what direction they wanted to move in. Soon after they started recording there second album Havets Vargar and featured another lineup change as the newly replaced vocalist was fired and drummer Erik Grawsiö took the reins. The lineup change was the best thing that could happen to this band and when Havets Vargar was released it was clear they came into there own and formed a sound that was much more refined than on previous albums. Dödsfärd started a whirlwind in terms of success for this band as they further refined there sound and made little changes. The bands use of folk influences would be an understatement and the incorporation of authentic folk music would be a reality. With this realization their next album, Vredens Tid would make a statement and become the bands sound. With a sound in place the further inclusion of acoustic melody on a black viking metal back drop would be solidified. The album and idea of their sound was a huge success and would be the plethora of any earlier albums. They released an EP, Urminnes Hävd which further went to craft their sound. It was a collaboration between them and a acoustic folk band Två Fisk Och En Fläsk. It matured their folk sound even further for the next upcoming album, Vargstenen. A minor label change happened prior to them recording Vargstenen. Shortly after Vargstenen was released and was a huge success as they only tinkered with there sound. They crafted more complex melodies than seen in earlier work and the further inclusion of the violin is why I'm such a fan of this band. They didn't overhaul there sound as it wasn't needed. It's necessary for bands to grow album to album but Månegarm did something admirable and steadied the course. With the release of a Vargstenen they would then pay homage to their roots with the release of Nattväsen. They strayed from their iconic sound and in my opinion was a step in the wrong direction. It is a quality album but unfortunately it was hindered because it didn't measure up to their previous work. Throughout the years this band has grown and formed their sound with numerous vocalist changes. Happily there sound was crafted by the founding members which is always a nice sentiment for how hard the band works. Vargstenen and Vredens Tid were the front runners in there discography and should be a benchmark for what black viking metal should sound like. Furthermore, it's quite refreshing that the folk instrumentals do not hinder this band as they find a balance so that they don't play to heavily on them or not enough. Currently an upcoming album has not been announced though as there previous releases might suggest it's probably only a year away.

Quality: Nordstjärnans Tidsålder (1998) - V0 MP3 / VBR

Havets Vargar (2000) - V0 MP3 / VBR

Dödsfärd (2003) - V0 MP3 / VBR

Vredens Tid (2005) - V0 MP3 / VBR

Vargstenen (2007) - V0 MP3 / VBR

Nattväsen (2009) - V0 MP3 / VBR

Urminnes Hävd (EP) (2006) - V0 MP3 / VBR

Vargaresa - The Beginning (Compilation) (2004)- V0 MP3 / VBR

Studio Albums: