Customer Reviews

The Winds That Sang of Midgard's Fate

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

 

 

I think the concept of this album will be appreciated mostly by those who are familiar with the Pagan/Viking metal scene, and it could also be a real eye-opener to others... Some lyrics are visions and tales about the ancient times, when christianity did not exist, and people lived in harmony with Nature; others are about the 'baptism' of the Pagans, the destruction of Nature and of the Pagan cultures by the enslaving church; and finally, some lyrics try to open our eyes to the future, which actually won't be much of a future unless we start living a more close-to-Earth lifestyle.

The music is quite original, I can't think of any other band to compare it with... It sounds very natural, being based mostly on strings and percussion, and Andrea's beautiful voice rises above all. Traditional Norwegian instruments are also used, and an alto-recorder can be heard from time to time. The vocal part is completed by some choirs (like the Telemark Viking Choir) which have an overwhelming effect. All in all, I think the music on this album can be enjoyed by both the black-metal listeners and the folk-ambient fans.

Here's a brief description of each song:

"When the Trees Were Silenced" - powerful war drums open the CD, and together Andrea's powerful vocals and the contrabass choir, create a very special atmosphere. The lyrics are about the ignorant destruction of the mighty Nature, of all the myths that are bound within her, thus leading us to self-destruction.

"Behold the Passionate Ways of Nature" - a beautiful hymn raised to the Sun, the Moon and to Mother Earth.

"The Home that I Will Never See" - this song describes the image of an ancient village, showing how close to Earth was life a thousand years ago.

"The Oath He Swore One Wintersday" - a battle cry against the christian faith; the voice of the ancestors tries to raise consciousness, asking revenge against 'the men with cross', and the resurrection of the old pagan gods and way of life.

"Seidr" - the song successfully tries to capture the atmosphere of a Seidr ritual: the instrumental part - based on the shaman drums - is very rhythmic, and there are no lyrics, Andrea and the powerful background choir are just chanting a soul into trance...

"Das Fest der Wintersonne (Ein Weihnachtslied)" - an old Jule song, a celebration of the Sun's rebirth; the lyrics are in German.

"A Tale of Fate (Folksvang Awaits)" - a love story from Viking times.

"When the Falcon Flies" - Yet another song ruled by the magical atmosphere of the Seidr ritual - the spirit is wandering through 'the other-side', guided by a totem animal.

"Serenade of the Last Wolf" - as the title suggests, it is a sad song about the feelings and emotions of the wolf, who is very often misunderstood, and is fanatically hunted down. Possibly the best song of the CD.

"Mother of Times" - a majestic ending for the CD, still very sad, showing the desperate situation of our Mother Earth, who is dying because of the human disrespect for her. Like most of the songs of this CD, it's a wake-up call...

Hagalaz Runedance contains ten tracks of wonderfully composed and sung songs which are written from a heathen perspective. Asatruar everywhere will absoutely love this music. It's done in a celtic/renissance style which is easy to listen to as well as learn to sing yourself. The emotions range from haunted to joyous and loss as the songs recount tales of old, and of loss and of joy.

Hail to Hagalaz Runedance for creating this excellent work which will uplift the souls of all who may hear it!

Well this is the first Hagalaz Rundance cd that I bought even though I own Andreas Nebelhexe cd(also recommended) and as much as I liked that cd I would probably say that I liked this cd even more. Most of the songs on here are alot slower than most Hagalaz Runedance songs that I have heard before except for track 1. For the most part the music is very relaxing and has almost a trance like quality to it. All in all a very good cd except for the fact that it could have been longer(it's only about 40 minutes).

I bought this album a year ago. I still cannot get over how much it moves me when I hear it. The drums seem to get under the skin with their rhythm.

I use this album for meditation or when I want to relieve the stress in my life.

Very good, very good album.

One of the few CDs of Asatru music that I actually enjoy. I could quibble with some things in the lyrics which are not quite in line with the lore, but overall I find the music both pleasant and inspiring.

This CD draws upon Scandinavian folk music for inspiration for its melodies. With the exception of one track, the lyrics are in English. The lead singer, Andrea Nebel Haugan, can actually sing! Professionally done and melodic.

Many of my non-Heathen friends also enjoy listening to this CD.

As an Asatruar who is interested in bringing my beliefs to the next generation music has become an ever important venue.

Hagalaz Runedance sings timeless songs in a style which a new generation can appreciate.