Kampfar – ‘Mare’ (2011)
Rating: 10/10
Release: 25 March 2011
Label: Napalm Records
What more can you say about such a great album, otherwise then it’s great? With Mare Kampfar rises really above themselves. As Kampfar itself suggests, the new producer Peter Tatgren (which already has produced many famous albums) is a real improvement for the music. Down with the rock’n’roll sound that brought the previous producer. This album is more melodic, darker, stronger and finally those real Kampfar sound where the men so long sought.
Yet, for real Kampfar fan it must have been a shock. The album is really different from its predecessor “Heimgang”.
Big change within the band is of course the fact that Thomas has stepped out of the band. But, as you could read in our interview, it was all in good agreement and Thomas had all his work finished for the album. Thomas is a great guitarist and I’m already curious how the next album will sound with another guitarist.
The album starts with the title song Mare (Mare is a dark, feminine creature from Norse mythology. She is the bringer of the bad dreams and nightmares.) A powerful song and a very good opener. Followed by songs that are good but not something really special. “Blitz Witch” was originally written in Norwegian but the men were if the opinion, it sounded better in English, and a good song was certainly made by this! “Nattgang” and “Alter Gang”, the valves of the album. “Nattgang” starts quietly and what comes to my mind a little slow to get going but “Alter Gang” gives here the last punch and blows you away.
With “Mare” Kampfar has shown that you can develop yourself in 17 years without being bland and without much of your own path to deviate.
Tracklist
- Mare 6:25
- Ildstemmer 5:06
- Huldreland 5:19
- Bergtatt 5:29
- Trolldomspakt 5:41
- Volvevers 3:28
- Blitzwitch 6:16
- Nattgang 5:11
- Altergang 2:28