It was at the start of this year that I began to see how much folk metal would impact 2025, and I’m still fortunate to be able to find myself before such awesome talent constantly making this style something to behold when it’s oftentimes not given the respect that it deserves. While I find myself shaking at the prospect of the returns of both Whispered and Downfall of Nur, we’re blessed with a constant stream of excellence that ensures the genre is the most exhilarating it has been in a long time. As if to further cement that fact, it’s with their newest album that Månegarm return to us in no less than top form.

When you’re one of the most well-known names in a given sound, the level of scrutiny and the bar of excellence are greatly enhanced due to the simple fact that listeners already know what you’re capable of, that being large part of why you’re more well-known in the first place. When you’ve been in the game for a band as long as Månegarm has at thirty years now, it’s only natural that you will have times when you deviate, try new things, and even fumble in certain areas as you do your damnedest to keep yourself fluid in trying new things while always respectful to the genre you’ve been synonymous with. Månegarm has been quite good at walking that line over the years, yet it’s here with “Edsvuren” that I cannot help but feel as though Månegarm has put forth their finest creation in years. A tremendous combination of all that this band has become known for yet given the attention to detail and passion that’s needed to make the work infectious, the accrued mastery of Månegarm plays a big part throughout the whole of this record to make it thunderous, evocative, and downright thrilling to become one with. The shine of “Edsvuren” is singular in its brilliance. Contrasting its heaviness with its refined moments of beauty and sorrow that all blend perfectly with the Norse backdrop that Månegarm has honed to a science, “Edsvuren” is as varied as it is expertly pulled off with the final result of thirty years.

Månegarm’s crusading over the decades have paid off in spades for a radiant, magnificent treasure at the end of this record. While I’m sure there is an argument to be made about where this record fits in the greater scheme of this band’s illustrious discography, I believe that it demands to be made clear that “Edsvuren” is nothing if not a tremendous success through and through.

LISTEN to singles from “Edsvuren” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Månegarm on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Månegarm on Instagram here.