After 20 years and six full length albums Månegarm are back with their forthcoming release Legions of the North. Continuing on with their Viking themed metal and doing it with confidence and familiarity this band once again has produced a solid addition to the battle axe and horned helmet set! If you listen to as much Viking metal as I seem to you will find that within the genre there are specific sets and standards that these bands follow in order to achieve a proper Viking sound. Whether that is by using the melodic gang vocals, the unique traditional or folk, if you will, instruments or the acoustic instrumental or female sung interludes there is a staple to this type of metal music. This is why for the most part Amon Amarth are more of a melodic death metal band and not a Viking metal band as they tend to stay away from the traditional and unique sounds of true Viking metal. Sure they are all steeped in Norse mythology and at least once a song there is a call to defend Asgard but overall Amon Amarth stick to the more traditional metal side of the music.
Regardless of where Månegarm land in the Viking metal spectrum Legions of the North is a solid metal album that fits the genre nicely. With the opening of 'Arise' they kick right into a pulse pounding adventure that keeps the listener glued to the speakers. With the rough vocals transitioning seamlessly into the gang vocals of the chorus the music and the musicians show how to smoothly allow these elements of the music to blend perfectly. As the album moves forward the band infuses more and more of the traditional sound of the Viking genre while still staying really heavy throughout. What this band is able to do better than a lot of bands in this specialized metal genre is their ability to make accessible metal that everyone can enjoy while continuing to solidify their place in the Viking metal world. With the addition some NWOBHM melody and thrash riffs and power metal splendor, Månegarm create a special sound that most in the metal world should enjoy.
At the midpoint of the album the pace slows to add a bit of a transitional feel. The song 'Vignerk', a beautiful acoustic piece that adds additional emotion and a bit of a break to the neck breaking pace the band has set in the first half of the album. The second half of the album starts off with the excellent speed pounding 'Sons of War' and continues on at this break neck speed for the rest of the album. Throughout this album it is evident that the band is confident in their subject matter and storytelling and that cannot always be said for bands who take on the challenge of the Viking lore.
Once again this year we are graced with another strong Viking metal album. If this keeps up I expect to see Knarrs lining up across the Eastern Shore. If you happen to be a fan of this genre as much as I am you will be really satisfied with this album as Månegarm have given us a technically strong and solidly produced effort on Legions of the North. It has all of the proper elements of a solid Viking metal album as well as some nice surprises mixed into the formula. But it all works in one nice and smart Viking package. Just try and not stand up, raise your sword and sing along to the lyrics "We Stand United / Victories at Hand/ We ARE the sons of war / THE SONS OF WAR!!"
Until later, Peace!
