Review by illusionist for Månegarm - Månegarm (2015)

A Glorius Return

Månegarm sound more fresh in 2015 than they have since 2009. I didn't dislike Legions of the North as much as some fans did, but even I was delighted to hear a return to their beloved 2000s sound. The violins are back, the Swedish is back, and so are the more vibrant songs and memorable folk melodies. It's not Vargstenen, but it's damn good.

Highlights include: "Blodörn", a dark, brooding "epic" to kick things off. Not one of their very best, but a very strong track. "Odin Owns Ye All" , the obvious lead single. It's catchy as all hell. Melodeath heaven. "Vigverk del II" is the slightly more emotive and catchy of the two ballads (the other being "Blot", which is also good).  "Call of the Runes", a fast and catchy melodic folk metal romp - the Månegarm specialty -  as well as "Kraft", a heavier, mid-paced song to march into battle to. Those are songs for the true Vikings out there. Finally, the most 'extreme metal' song on the album "Månljus" is also a highlight for its hard-hitting riffs, hearkening back to the band's black metal roots. A short, fast burst of pure adrenaline.