Artist: Garmarna Album: Vengeance Label: North Side. 530 North 3rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401. © 1999 MNW Records Group AB Email: mailto:chill@noside.com Web-site: www.noside.com This is a modern, 21st Century is on us, Swedish Progressive Folk band with a female vocalist up front. Unlike Groupa (who write much of their material) this band follows in the tradition of their English and Irish contemporaries (Fairport, Steeleye Span) and uses the traditional folk melodies and stories of their culture as a base. Unlike them, however, Garmarna is more rock bordering on heavy metal and techno at times. (Track by Track Analysis) "Gamen", opens the CD with a power attack of metallic sound. But underneath this is a ‘traditional’ music folk sound, which seems to fit perfectly. "Euchari" has a strong trance/dance feel to it. If you have heard the first CD by Enigma then you have an idea of what this is about. "Halling Jarön". Ground Control to Major Tom…. This one opens with a guitar riff reminiscent of that other work, but any similarity is quickly dispelled when the vocalist joins. The feel of this one is still more Space Rock than Folk Rock. "Vedergållningen (Vengeance)" reminds me of the Vincent Price movie “Dr Phibes Rises Again” – absolutely terrifying. The English translation of the lyrics leave you running for some cheerful reading, like maybe E A Poe’s “The Telltale Heart”, or “The Fall of the House of Usher”. Don’t read them after dark. This piece is a reminder that fairy tales were originally for adults, not children. Did I mention that the music holds its’ own against the lyrics? "Nio år" is less dark, but still a somber piece. This piece is given a more ‘traditional’ treatment, but we are still a long way from the light of dawn and safety. "Sorgsen ton (Stomped Bread)" is a breath of traditional folk which breaks out into some bang-you-on-your-head rock and roll. Odd in an enjoyable way. "Herr Holkin" is one of those rare folk stories without a moral, in other words it has a happy ending. The music reminds me of Metallica doing a ballad. "Bläck (Ink)" is again a combination of folk violin and an industrial but low key percussion line accompanying the ballad voice of Emma. "Polska" is a traditional dance piece with no vocals. It is the drumming of Jens Hoglin which reminds you that this band can kick-ass at the same time. "Brun" is another dark dark dark tune, with the low end bass and drums to support it. Who might like it? Fans of Fairport Convention, Peter Gabriel, the more sophisticated an imaginative techno, possibly even Metallica, because this band almost defies analysis. But like their countrymen in Groupa, they are definitely pushing at envelopes. If you are looking for something bold and brave, and dark, this disk is for you. Who might dislike it? Purists of any stripe will probably have a hissy fit. The best tracks: There are no weak tracks but I think that "Gamen" and "Vedergållningen" are show-stoppers. The track that best represents Garmarna’s style: "Herr Holken" Star rating: 4 /12 out of 5, with the band threatening that 5. This CD was mesmerising and head-spinning. The first time I heard it I played it through three times. Each subsequent listen as brought me as much joy as the first. Personnel: Stefan Brisland-Fernier – violins, strings, hurdy-gurdy, programming, guitar Emma Hardelin - vocals Jens Hoglin - drums Gotte Ringsvist – luteguitar, guitar, violin Rickard Westman, guitars, ebow, bass Also collaborating: Sank, programming, bass Produced by Sank for Toy Town Productions. The Tunes: 1. Gamen (Vulture) [4:03] 2. Euchari [4:22] 3. Halling Jåron [3:03] 4. Vedergållningen (Vengance) [4:55] 5. Nio år (Nine Years) [4:30] 6. Sorgsen ton (Stomped Bread) [4:47] 7. Herr Holkin [5:18] 8. Bläck (Ink) [5:06] 9. Polska [3:09] 10. Bruin (The Robber) [5:56] ~ Gregory M. Amov (GMA) -- If it ain't MIDI, it must be actual live musicians, who'da thunk it? mailto:gamov@systemstheory.net http://systemstheory.net
Editor's Note: I want to thank Greg for "bridging the gap" and helping his "partner-in-crime" Steven Davies-Morris make this review a reality. Good job! ALSO, IF YOU FIND GARMARNA INTRIGUING, THEN BE SURE TO OBTAIN THEIR OLDER RELEASE, GODS MUSICIANS, OMM 2014D. IT IS EVEN HEAVIER AND MORE ROCKin'-NOIR-FOLK THAN VENGEANCE. Emma Hardelin's vox is pure joy to experience!!
GO BACK
RETURN TO:
If you are seeking out-of-print and hard-to-find CDs . . .
try my new eBay page where I post CD finds for sale.
"Jazz Fusion Guy" @ eBay page
To purchase this recording and get more info, soundclips, etc.
CLICK ON ARTIST'S NAME ABOVE
OR . . .
Please visit my BUY IT E.E.R. NOW INDEX PAGE
OR...![]()
Please try my brand spankin' new
EER and AMAZON.com QUIK-LINKs
buyer's guide to recommended music.
OR ...
go to my LINKS page and find the vendors' section.
Happy hunting!