Now you might wonder why this band was ever included in anything that involves heavy metal, but remember that the decidedly un-metal Def Leppard was lumped in with that lot. If any band from that era deserved a second shot at the ring, it's this lot. Quality like this is rare indeed.
Menegarm - Nattvasen
This is some stonking great Swedish Viking metal in all its metal pagan glory. This is the type of stuff that combines deathy type vocals with more traditional metal ones. The release ranges from the heavy through some mellow, melodic, folky sections (track four being a classic example, evoking an almost Kansas-like feeling) that are so common in this genre of music. The variety found in such releases makes it much more interesting to listen to than your normal heavy metal-fest.
There is no wonder these guys are some of the longest serving Viking metal bands around. They do what they do rather well and even though it's damn near impossible to understand what the hell they are singing about, you still get into it. There is nothing like traditional instruments played in a heavy metal style to get you into the mood. This might be the time for this band to get themselves worldwide recognition as this is a pretty strong release.
If you ever need the soundtrack to sit down with a copy of Beowulf or the recent Sigurn and Gudrun Viking saga (which I just finished reading) then this release is what you should find. It’s the soundtrack to the epics that are the Viking sagas. Grab yer flagon of mead, put on your fur, stoke the fire, and listen to some fine Viking metal.
Well, on that sword-wielding and no-horns-on-helmet note, I must leave you for another week. Check out live music whenever you can, and stay safe.
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