Nordstjärnans Tidsålder cover

Nordstjärnans Tidsålder

Månegarm · 1998

40 min · 11 tracks · black metal

A symphonic blend of black metal fury and folk melodies celebrating Norse mythology and history.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fädernas kall (under höjda nordbanér) — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound, merging intense black metal riffs with haunting folk melodies that evoke a sense of ancient Nordic heritage.
  • →
    Den dödes drömmar — Featuring intricate arrangements that highlight both lyrical depth and musical complexity, this song showcases Månegarm's ability to tell stories through rich instrumentation.
  • →
    Vindar från glömda tider — The atmospheric build-up and lyrical themes of nostalgia create a powerful connection to the past, illustrating the band's unique fusion of genres.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 54% of albums we've rated

The album blends black metal with folk elements effectively, though its cohesion and craft show room for improvement.

What we noticed

  • The album features orchestral arrangements that intertwine with heavy guitar riffs, creating a layered soundscape.
  • Several tracks incorporate traditional folk instruments, adding a distinct texture to the black metal foundation.
  • The tempo varies significantly throughout, with some tracks maintaining a relentless pace while others slow down for melodic interludes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • mythological storytelling through music
  • immersive journeys into history
  • short bursts of intense energy
  • captivating melodies with dark undertones

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward structures
  • seek lighthearted, upbeat tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1998, 'Nordstjärnans Tidsålder' is Månegarm's second album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity within the Viking metal genre, combining elements of folk music with aggressive metal sounds. This record marked a significant step in their artistic evolution and helped establish their presence in the underground metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Finntroll· Ensiferum· Korpiklaani

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 I nordstjärnans sken 1:42
  • 2 Fädernas kall (under höjda nordbanér) 4:09
  • 3 Drakeld 3:23
  • 4 Den dödes drömmar 4:00
  • 5 Nordanblod 2:44
  • 6 En fallen härskare 3:58
  • 7 Ymer 2:03
  • 8 Vindar från glömda tider 4:51
  • 9 Blod, jord och stjärneglans 3:51
  • 10 Det sargade landet 5:07
  • 11 Tiden som komma skall 4:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata