MANEGARM

I've never hidden the fact that I have a rather complicated relationship with viking metal, and I calmly let most releases pass me by. The exceptions are a handful of bands (typically Scandinavian) who play with such flavor and variety that they make me forget about stylistic preferences. I must confess that Manegarm don't fall into that second category — though they don't fall into the first either. In other words, I probably won't be eagerly awaiting their next full-length, but I will be revisiting this one regularly. In case anyone has forgotten, viking metal originally emerged from black metal — one of its progenitors was a certain Quorthon (Bathory) — and to this day many viking bands incorporate those old black roots into their music. In my view, it's precisely these elements that give the style its particular edge, distinguishing viking metal from ordinary epic or militant heavy metal, which is the other main component of the style. And Manegarm strike just the right balance, combining black metal fury, ancient Norse belligerence, heavy guitar weight, and epic folk violin passages, harsh growling and beautiful clean vocals. The tempo shifts from near-black metal speed to the measured pace characteristic of a swaying men's drinking chorus. And while the Swedes haven't managed to outdo their Finnish comrades in Korpiklaani when it comes to revelry and merriment, in terms of severity and martial spirit they're even a notch ahead, and I'm confident they will earn a worthy place in the hearts of fans.