Vargstenen
Månegarm · 2007
51 min · 12 tracks · black metal
A fierce blend of black metal and folk melodies that channels Norse mythology through haunting vocals and thunderous instrumentals.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
En fallen fader — This track features evocative storytelling through its lyrics, depicting themes of loss and reverence that resonate deeply throughout the album.
-
→
Visioner på isen — With its epic length and dynamic shifts, this track encapsulates the band's ability to fuse atmospheric melodies with aggressive instrumentation, creating a vivid narrative experience.
-
→
Vargstenen — The title track serves as a powerful culmination of the album's themes, with intricate arrangements that mirror the historical and mythical inspirations behind the music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends black metal with folk elements, showcasing strong composition and craftsmanship.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric intro that builds tension before launching into rapid-fire drumming and aggressive guitar riffs.
- Folk instruments such as flutes and violins are interspersed throughout the tracks, creating a distinct contrast with the heavy metal elements.
- Several tracks feature alternating vocal styles, including harsh growls and clean singing, which enhances the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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 fierce intensity
- short tracks that evoke mythology
- immersive journeys through dark themes
- dynamic shifts in emotional landscapes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer light, upbeat music
- want straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Vargstenen marked Månegarm's fifth studio album, showcasing a matured sound after their previous release, Dödsfärd, in 2005. This album solidified their position in the Viking metal scene, blending traditional Swedish folk elements with heavy metal influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Finntroll· Ensiferum· Korpiklaani
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Uppvaknande 1:49
- 2 Ur själslig död 4:24
- 3 En fallen fader 5:57
- 4 Den gamle talar 2:08
- 5 Genom världar nio 5:37
- 6 Visioner på isen 8:53
- 7 Vargbrodern talar 1:32
- 8 I underjorden 4:12
- 9 Nio dagar, nio nätter 4:44
- 10 Vargstenen 5:34
- 11 Vedergällningens tid 3:46
- 12 Eld 2:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.