Customer Reviews

Garmarna

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While this album lacks the flair of later Garmarna releases, tending to stick pretty closely to a traditional folk style, it is never-the-less a spectacular album, which proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Garmarna had mastered tradition before defying it. It's interesting to hear how really good this band was even when they were just getting started. They play with passion and expertise, and the style is absolutely perfect. Emma only shows up on a few tracks, and only actually sings lyrics on one, but, while she is missed, it is great to hear the other members out in front, and to be able to really focus on their playing. The inclusion of the original band demos from 1992 is also a great addition, as they are all written by members of the band (most by Stefan), and because two are actually repeats of songs that appear on the first half of the album as 4-piece songs, which gives you a wonderful perspective on the band's development. If you're new to Scandanavian folk music, then this is a good place to start. If you're new to just Garmarna, then I'd recommend checking out God's Musicians or Vengence first. Either way, this album is a great window into the history of one of Sweden's best bands.

This, Garmarna's debut, showcases the acoustic Nordic folk music of their roots. The groups playing is excellent, and on the few tracks where Emma Hardelin lends her vocals, the singing is raw and full of passion yet still eerily beautiful. All of the music exudes an atmospheric melancholy that probably comes from not getting enough sun, and the moodiness is captured affectingly by the players and singer.
On the whole, an excellent little album full of wonderful music. For the price, it's highly recommended.

This is straight up, good traditional Scandinavian folk music with a modern twist. Tastefully done. That's the crucial part. Simple and effective. That's what you want. All instrumental tunes to take you to that mystical, prehistoric, frozen tundra. I like this. Buy it. Put it on and slip into the hot tub or sauna. Roll around in the snow naked afterwards. Do it again.