All Interviews
Månegarm
Månegarm
Posted on Nov 23, 2005
by Anders
Månegarm, this rather unknown Swedish band has delivered great viking metal album for a great while now. They have so far released 4 full length albums, where the last 2 are really good, with their latest "Vredens Tid" being the absolute peak, a stunning and captivating album. To find out how the Swedish band worked, where they find their inspiration and so forth, I got in contact with drummer and vocalist Erik Grawsiø and he gladly answered my questions and gave us a lot of information. The rest of the band is guitarist Jonas Almquist, guitarist and violinist Markus Andé and bassist Pierre Wilhelmson.
Hi there, how are things in Sweden now when winter gets near?
It's really good even if it's getting colder, yesterday it was -3 degrees Celsius. Right now we are rehearsing for upcoming gigs and we are also writing new songs for the next album.
Will you please start off by introducing yourself and tell us why you use your time in Månegarm?
My name is Erik and I live in Norrtälje, a rather small town near Stockholm. I play drums in Månegarm and I also do the vocals. In the day time I work and in the evenings I spend my time with my family and friends or in the gym. One of my biggest interests is of course music and that is why I choose to spend my spare time with playing in Månegarm.
A small introduction of the rest of the band will be great as well, and maybe a bit about why they are the perfect members for Månegarm!
The rest of the bastards also live in Norrtälje except for Janne who lives in Stockholm. We have been friends for a long, long time and we know each other very well. That's probably why the line up haven't been changed that much through the years I think. Everybody in the band has something special to add to the music and to the band and that is why it works that well.
You released your new album "Vredens Tid" earlier this year, how do you feel about it?
It feels really good so far. We are very satisfied with the album.
How has the album been received by both the press and your fans?
The reviews we have received so far have been great. Our fans also seem to like the new album, a lot of great people have visited our concerts and also our webpage.
What do you expect from the album?
We try not to have too high expectations when releasing an album but we always hope that the press and fans will like it. So far so good...
When you started out to write music for the album, what did you then want to accomplish with it?
We wanted to compose some really good songs and release a killer album. We were very satisfied with our previous album, "Dödsfärd", but our goal was of course to create an even better album.
Do you feel you have accomplished that?
I think that we have. The songs on "Vredens Tid" are more complete than our other songs. We worked a lot more on composing and arranging these songs and I think that's noticeable for everyone.
What do you want to tell with your music?
The lyrics tell a lot it self of course. They are great stories that I recommend everyone to read. Musically we want to give the listeners something special. We try to compose music that has got a little bit of everything, that is hard and aggressive as well as soft and harmonic. We want our music to be interesting for the listeners!!!
The music is often huge atmospheric spheres of raw metal, folk-melodies and great vocal-work, how did it end up being such a complex size?
We have developed our music through the years of course. When we started up in 1995 we just played raw black metal. Later on, in 1997, we started to experiment with violins, flute, female vocals etc., and the music turned out to what you hear today. The violin adds a folky touch to our music and the female vocals make the softer parts even more harmonic. The vocals are something we try to work with a lot as well. You can create really cool things with the vocals, the vocals are kind of an "instrument" as well, and they are not to be forgotten.
You are good at working in a flow and some hooks in your songs, how much time do you usually use on a song, from the first idea to the final arrangement?
That is a hard question to answer; it totally depends on what kind of song it is. We can sometimes come up with a song in a day or two and sometimes you just sit at home writing for weeks before we finally start rehearsing the song.
The band is also using a great deal of violin, why did you throw your love on that instrument?
We used the violin for the first time on our second demo (1997) and we have used it since. It's a really great instrument that fits our music perfectly. The violin works perfect with the characteristically Månegarm guitars. Månegarm wouldn't be the same without the violin.
Where do you find inspiration for the music?
I personally get inspired by all different kinds of music, but metal is an important source to inspiration of course.
Do you have to be in a certain mood to write music, or does it just come flowing at all times?
I compose songs when I'm in a good mood. When I'm angry, disappointed, frustrated or something I can't concentrate on writing songs.
I can ask the same questions for the lyrics, where do you find inspiration for them?
Pierre should have answered this question; he's the one that writes the lyrics but I do know that he gets inspiration from our natural surroundings. Norse mythologhy is also a big interest and fascination and that is shown in his lyrics of course.
You have chosen to sing in Swedish, how did you come up with that choice and have you ever considered switching to English?
We have always written lyrics in Swedish since our lyrics are best expressed in our mother language. We have written some English songs, 'Ravenous' and 'Pagan War' from the "Dödsfärd" album for example, but we will continue to write in Swedish.
How much does Asatru and Nordic Mythology mean to you, is it a part of your everyday live?
For me personally; no. Pierre practices our ancient custom (asatru) though.
Do you have a message in your lyrics, or are the solely present to accompany the music, how important is the lyrical universe to you?
The lyrics are very important to Månegarm. For a song to be perfect both music and lyrics have to be good. We put a lot of effort into writing songs and lyrics, both parts are just as important. The lyrics are short stories inspired by our heathen heritage. Some are based on true stories and some lyrics are more fiction, so to speak.
If you look back at all your releases and should pick out 3 songs, which 3 would you chose and why?
Hmm, that's not easy... I'll make it a little bit easier (hope that's alright). I will pick out 4 songs, one song from each album;
'Ymer' ("Nordstjärnans Tidsålder") A beautiful folkisch, acoustic song with great female vocals by Umer Mossige Norheim.
'Vanvett' ("Havets Vargar") Probably the most intensive song we have ever written. Fast, raw, energetic and completely furious!!
'I Evig Tid' ("Dödsfärd") With this album we increased our popularity a lot and this song was one of the most popular one I think. This one is a song that we really enjoy to perform live.
'Hemfärd' ("Vredens Tid") A song that has got a little bit of everything; Violin, female vox, clean and growl vox, soft, acoustic parts as well as harder ones. Something for everyone !!
The great cover artwork for "Vredens Tid" is made by Kris Verwimp, it is not the first time you use him, why do you keep on using him?
Because we really enjoy his artwork. We have never been disappointed with his work and we have always gotten what we've asked for.
What are your thoughts on the cover artwork on the new album?
It was Pierre and Jonas that came up with the original idea. We contacted Kris and told him our ideas and the theme for the cover painting. Kris really liked the idea and he immediately started painting. He sent us drawings from time to time and we told him our opinions. We also sent him some pre-recorded songs from the album just to get him in the right mood. I think the result is absolutely amazing!!!
The cover painting shows the giant troll "Kolöga Trolltand" as he destroys the church with a mighty stroke. The whole story is told in the song 'Kolöga Trolltand/Charcoal-Eye Troll Tooth'.
Why did you chose to call the album "Vredens Tid" what does it symbolize for you?
"Vredens Tid" is a pure dedication to the wrath in every man and woman's heart, born under pale light of the North Star.
Do you have some touring planned in support of the new album?
No actual tour is planned yet. Maybe we're off for a "minitour" (6-8 gigs) in Holland/Germany in the beginning of 2006. Later on, in the end of March, we will perform at "Hammerfest" in Germany. That's what we have planned for now, but there will be more gigs in 2006 of course!!
How do you look upon the future of Månegarm?
I hope that the future holds some good things for Månegarm. In 2006 we will once again enter the studio to record our new album. We have written some new, really good songs that I hope our listeners will enjoy. I also hope that we will perform at some really great festivals in 2006. That is why we're in this business!!!
Will you share your 5 all time favourite albums with out readers?
That's not easy to answer. There are so many great bands and so many really great albums that have been made. Hear are a few great albums that I've listened to a lot through the years. These pieces will never die!!!
Motörhead 1916 (Rock N' Roll, Lemmy is King!!!)
Entombed Left Hand Path (Swedish death metal pioneers)
Dio Holy Diver (a real party album; always gets me thirsty)
Deep Purple Machine Head (a Classic from 1972, totally great)
Running Wild Black Hand Inn (a great album from a great German band, every fucking song on this album kicks ass)
Thanks a ton for answering my questions, if you have anything to add, feel free to fire away now!
Buy our new album "Vredens Tid" and visit our concerts if you have the possibility!!
It's really good even if it's getting colder, yesterday it was -3 degrees Celsius. Right now we are rehearsing for upcoming gigs and we are also writing new songs for the next album.
Will you please start off by introducing yourself and tell us why you use your time in Månegarm?
My name is Erik and I live in Norrtälje, a rather small town near Stockholm. I play drums in Månegarm and I also do the vocals. In the day time I work and in the evenings I spend my time with my family and friends or in the gym. One of my biggest interests is of course music and that is why I choose to spend my spare time with playing in Månegarm.
A small introduction of the rest of the band will be great as well, and maybe a bit about why they are the perfect members for Månegarm!
The rest of the bastards also live in Norrtälje except for Janne who lives in Stockholm. We have been friends for a long, long time and we know each other very well. That's probably why the line up haven't been changed that much through the years I think. Everybody in the band has something special to add to the music and to the band and that is why it works that well.
You released your new album "Vredens Tid" earlier this year, how do you feel about it?
It feels really good so far. We are very satisfied with the album.
How has the album been received by both the press and your fans?
The reviews we have received so far have been great. Our fans also seem to like the new album, a lot of great people have visited our concerts and also our webpage.
What do you expect from the album?
We try not to have too high expectations when releasing an album but we always hope that the press and fans will like it. So far so good...
When you started out to write music for the album, what did you then want to accomplish with it?
We wanted to compose some really good songs and release a killer album. We were very satisfied with our previous album, "Dödsfärd", but our goal was of course to create an even better album.
Do you feel you have accomplished that?
I think that we have. The songs on "Vredens Tid" are more complete than our other songs. We worked a lot more on composing and arranging these songs and I think that's noticeable for everyone.
What do you want to tell with your music?
The lyrics tell a lot it self of course. They are great stories that I recommend everyone to read. Musically we want to give the listeners something special. We try to compose music that has got a little bit of everything, that is hard and aggressive as well as soft and harmonic. We want our music to be interesting for the listeners!!!
The music is often huge atmospheric spheres of raw metal, folk-melodies and great vocal-work, how did it end up being such a complex size?
We have developed our music through the years of course. When we started up in 1995 we just played raw black metal. Later on, in 1997, we started to experiment with violins, flute, female vocals etc., and the music turned out to what you hear today. The violin adds a folky touch to our music and the female vocals make the softer parts even more harmonic. The vocals are something we try to work with a lot as well. You can create really cool things with the vocals, the vocals are kind of an "instrument" as well, and they are not to be forgotten.
You are good at working in a flow and some hooks in your songs, how much time do you usually use on a song, from the first idea to the final arrangement?
That is a hard question to answer; it totally depends on what kind of song it is. We can sometimes come up with a song in a day or two and sometimes you just sit at home writing for weeks before we finally start rehearsing the song.
The band is also using a great deal of violin, why did you throw your love on that instrument?
We used the violin for the first time on our second demo (1997) and we have used it since. It's a really great instrument that fits our music perfectly. The violin works perfect with the characteristically Månegarm guitars. Månegarm wouldn't be the same without the violin.
Where do you find inspiration for the music?
I personally get inspired by all different kinds of music, but metal is an important source to inspiration of course.
Do you have to be in a certain mood to write music, or does it just come flowing at all times?
I compose songs when I'm in a good mood. When I'm angry, disappointed, frustrated or something I can't concentrate on writing songs.
I can ask the same questions for the lyrics, where do you find inspiration for them?
Pierre should have answered this question; he's the one that writes the lyrics but I do know that he gets inspiration from our natural surroundings. Norse mythologhy is also a big interest and fascination and that is shown in his lyrics of course.
You have chosen to sing in Swedish, how did you come up with that choice and have you ever considered switching to English?
We have always written lyrics in Swedish since our lyrics are best expressed in our mother language. We have written some English songs, 'Ravenous' and 'Pagan War' from the "Dödsfärd" album for example, but we will continue to write in Swedish.
How much does Asatru and Nordic Mythology mean to you, is it a part of your everyday live?
For me personally; no. Pierre practices our ancient custom (asatru) though.
Do you have a message in your lyrics, or are the solely present to accompany the music, how important is the lyrical universe to you?
The lyrics are very important to Månegarm. For a song to be perfect both music and lyrics have to be good. We put a lot of effort into writing songs and lyrics, both parts are just as important. The lyrics are short stories inspired by our heathen heritage. Some are based on true stories and some lyrics are more fiction, so to speak.
If you look back at all your releases and should pick out 3 songs, which 3 would you chose and why?
Hmm, that's not easy... I'll make it a little bit easier (hope that's alright). I will pick out 4 songs, one song from each album;
'Ymer' ("Nordstjärnans Tidsålder") A beautiful folkisch, acoustic song with great female vocals by Umer Mossige Norheim.
'Vanvett' ("Havets Vargar") Probably the most intensive song we have ever written. Fast, raw, energetic and completely furious!!
'I Evig Tid' ("Dödsfärd") With this album we increased our popularity a lot and this song was one of the most popular one I think. This one is a song that we really enjoy to perform live.
'Hemfärd' ("Vredens Tid") A song that has got a little bit of everything; Violin, female vox, clean and growl vox, soft, acoustic parts as well as harder ones. Something for everyone !!
The great cover artwork for "Vredens Tid" is made by Kris Verwimp, it is not the first time you use him, why do you keep on using him?
Because we really enjoy his artwork. We have never been disappointed with his work and we have always gotten what we've asked for.
What are your thoughts on the cover artwork on the new album?
It was Pierre and Jonas that came up with the original idea. We contacted Kris and told him our ideas and the theme for the cover painting. Kris really liked the idea and he immediately started painting. He sent us drawings from time to time and we told him our opinions. We also sent him some pre-recorded songs from the album just to get him in the right mood. I think the result is absolutely amazing!!!
The cover painting shows the giant troll "Kolöga Trolltand" as he destroys the church with a mighty stroke. The whole story is told in the song 'Kolöga Trolltand/Charcoal-Eye Troll Tooth'.
Why did you chose to call the album "Vredens Tid" what does it symbolize for you?
"Vredens Tid" is a pure dedication to the wrath in every man and woman's heart, born under pale light of the North Star.
Do you have some touring planned in support of the new album?
No actual tour is planned yet. Maybe we're off for a "minitour" (6-8 gigs) in Holland/Germany in the beginning of 2006. Later on, in the end of March, we will perform at "Hammerfest" in Germany. That's what we have planned for now, but there will be more gigs in 2006 of course!!
How do you look upon the future of Månegarm?
I hope that the future holds some good things for Månegarm. In 2006 we will once again enter the studio to record our new album. We have written some new, really good songs that I hope our listeners will enjoy. I also hope that we will perform at some really great festivals in 2006. That is why we're in this business!!!
Will you share your 5 all time favourite albums with out readers?
That's not easy to answer. There are so many great bands and so many really great albums that have been made. Hear are a few great albums that I've listened to a lot through the years. These pieces will never die!!!
Motörhead 1916 (Rock N' Roll, Lemmy is King!!!)
Entombed Left Hand Path (Swedish death metal pioneers)
Dio Holy Diver (a real party album; always gets me thirsty)
Deep Purple Machine Head (a Classic from 1972, totally great)
Running Wild Black Hand Inn (a great album from a great German band, every fucking song on this album kicks ass)
Thanks a ton for answering my questions, if you have anything to add, feel free to fire away now!
Buy our new album "Vredens Tid" and visit our concerts if you have the possibility!!
Månegarm website
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