Nattväsen
Månegarm · 2009
45 min · 9 tracks · black metal
A haunting fusion of black metal ferocity and Swedish folk melodies, steeped in mythological themes and atmospheric soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mina fäders hall — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its epic instrumentation and powerful lyrics about ancestral heritage, drawing listeners into Månegarm's world.
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Nattsjäl, drömsjäl — Combining melodic elements with a driving rhythm, this track exemplifies the band's signature blend of black metal aggression and folk melodies while exploring themes of duality and spirit.
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Draugen — This song showcases Månegarm's lyrical storytelling prowess, weaving a tale around Norse mythology that adds depth and intrigue to the album's overall narrative.
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Nattväsen — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its dark atmospherics and rich instrumentation, representing the culmination of its thematic exploration.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Månegarm blends black metal with folk elements effectively, creating a unique sound that stands out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that features aggressive guitar riffs and blast beats, establishing a strong black metal foundation.
- Folk instruments, such as flutes and violins, are interspersed throughout the tracks, creating a distinct contrast to the heavier elements.
- Several tracks incorporate clean vocals alongside harsh screams, allowing for dynamic shifts in mood and texture.
- The final track concludes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering atmospheric quality.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- haunting melodies with mythological themes
- atmospheric soundscapes for deep listening
- cathartic moments of intense emotion
- immersive storytelling through music
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- want simple, straightforward compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2009, Nattväsen is Månegarm's fifth studio album, following their 2005 release, Vargaresa – A Nordic Saga. At this point, the band had solidified its identity within the Viking metal scene, blending traditional folk elements with aggressive metal. This album marked a continuation of their thematic exploration of Norse mythology and folklore.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Finntroll· Ensiferum· Korpiklaani
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mina fäders hall 5:12
- 2 Nattsjäl, drömsjäl 5:54
- 3 Bergagasten 5:10
- 4 I den svartaste jord 7:17
- 5 Hraesvelg 1:48
- 6 Vetrarmegin 4:59
- 7 Draugen 4:17
- 8 Nattväsen 5:51
- 9 Delling 4:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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