Garmarna

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Gamarna was one of the first Swedish bands to blend dance tunes and songs from the ballad tradition, much like a Scandinavian version of the Irish group De Dannan. Garmarna is a remastered version of their self-titled 1993 debut EP, which has been expanded on CD by the addition of six songs from their 1992 demo. After those recordings were made, the band went on to become one of Sweden's most innovative folk groups. And even though all the tracks here are acoustic, with none of the amplified instruments and drum loops the group experimented with on later recordings, the music still exhibits an adventurous spirit. The musicians use a wide assortment of instruments--hurdy-gurdies, Jew's harps, bouzoukis, guitars, and violins--to create sonic tapestries that weave together medieval-sounding harmonies with modern rhythms. Their "modern-ancient" sound is a perfect backdrop for Emma Hardelin, whose vocals add a soft edge to the sometimes dark ambiance of the music. (One band member is credited on percussion and death grunts.) The music on Garmarna is more folk-oriented than most of their later recordings, but the power of these performances shows that the band learned the rules of traditional music, before they went on the break them. --Michael Simmons

Garmarna,Garmarna,Northside Records,Folk-Pop,Int'l & World Music,Neo-Traditional,Pop,Scandinavia,Scandinavian Folk,Sweden,Swedish,Swedish Folk,Traditional,World Music
Hildegard von Bingen
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Emma, You're Divine
  • More Garmarna than Hildegard
  • Parts are great, parts are bad
  • This is NOT pretentious new-age...and it ROX!!
  • my kind of reverence
Hildegard von Bingen
Garmarna
Manufacturer: Northside Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Vengeance
  2. God's Musicians
  3. Vittrad
  4. Trä
  5. Garmarna

ASIN: B00005NNON
Release Date: 2001-09-04

Tracks:

  1. Euchari
  2. Viridissima Virga
  3. Salvatoris
  4. O Frondens Virga
  5. Unde Quocompque
  6. O Vis Aeternitatis
  7. Virga Ac Diadema
  8. Paso
  9. Kyrie

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

What happens when a raucous Scandinavian folk band armed with strings, acoustic guitars, and percussion rearranges the music of a 12th-century nun and updates it with modern electronic backdrops? Why, you get Garmarna's Hildegard von Bingen, a surprisingly sedate affair that marries the sacred and the secular in a truly unorthodox fashion. The band's organic and synthetic elements are on opposite ends of the aural spectrum, but--purism be damned--Garmarna makes it appealing. There are times when the beats are a little intrusive on Hildegard's striking melodies--which are beautifully sung here by singer Emma Härdelin--but they never overwhelm the music and aren't always present. Overall, this album, created and named in Hildegard von Bingen's honor, serves as a reverent tribute to her music, and it might just influence newer, younger listeners to investigate her 900-year-old repertoire. --Bryan Reesman

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Emma, You're Divine.......2007-03-15

Emma joins the ranks of people like Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Liz Fraser (Cocteau Twins) here. Even if you're a stone cold atheist, you can hear god in the grain of her voice. There is a feeling of devotion so intense that it shades into the sensual. Those coming here from the Hildegard angle will no doubt be taken aback by the vintage trip-hop trimming and sawing violins, but they refresh the material and the listener's spirit. Organic, electric, Nordic, Latinate, mundane (ode to a leafy branch), and ethereal--it all hangs together remarkably well, & there are moments of pure transcendence. You also get to see the magical Emma perform one of the songs live. One only wishes they would record and tour the US more.

4 out of 5 stars More Garmarna than Hildegard.......2005-08-15

I enjoyed this CD a great deal. I really did not get much of an impression of Hildegard merely by listening to it, however. It helped to read the English translations of the lyrics. Essentially, I see it as a Garmarna CD where someone else wrote the lyrics and some of the melodies.

4 out of 5 stars Parts are great, parts are bad.......2003-05-30

This album is certainly quite innovative--parts of I absolutely love; parts which aspire to heights we never thought Garmarna was capable of--but at the same time, the bad songs on here are honestly some of Garmarna's worst. It's such a damn enjoyable album though that it's quite hard to feel bad about buying it... I guarantee SOMETHING on here will be exremely enjoyable, but cannot guarantee that everyone will like every song, as I could with God's Musicians (if you liked one song from that, you almost definitely would enjoy the entire album).

The songs are sung in Latin, with Emma Hårdelin's voice singing them with her Swedish accent. The basic premise is taking ancient poems (written by the German nun Hildegard von Bingen) and setting them to modern techno-backed orchestrations.

Our first glimpse of this is on "Euchari". Some fans may remember "Euchari" from the Vengeance album; they performed the song on there as well. However, the Hildegard version is extraordinarily good in comparison. The fiddles, rush of air, thumping and clicking beat, and Emma's voice just go well together. I think this is unquestionably the best song on the album.

Other songs, such as Salvatoris, O Frondens Virga and Viridisssima Virga are also extraordinary in their mix of old and new; but it is the other "potentials"--the songs that seem like they should have been cut out when the band was deciding which to include-- that threaten to ruin the album. Notice I said threaten, not "they ruin the album"--because they don't. Hildegard von Bingen is STILL GOOD. It jus could have been much better without technofied Unde Quocompque or the completely immemorably Kyrie. The use of Latin on the album is undoubtedly seductive and powerful; it is only in the arrangement of some songs that any flaws are noted, and they really aren't too big of a problem. However, on the whole I think this album will satisfy most Garmarna fans that enjoyed Vengeance, and may garner Garmarna a few new fans, too.

5 out of 5 stars This is NOT pretentious new-age...and it ROX!!.......2003-03-25

As soon as I heard the song "Viridissima Virga" from a compilation album of artists on their label, and read about the album, I Knew i had to get this album.
Some may think that it's a silly or useless idea doomed to fail, or they just don't get it because their minds aren't open; think again!
Listening to this (thinking outside the religious content), transports one back in time in a subtle way because it brings out the music and makes you relate to it with its stunningly, surprisingly funky and beautiful arrangments! It combines the music (written in latin) of this 11th century nun with funky techno and traditional Swedish instruments in the arrangements! (the original tunes have been kept). and, once again, these new arrangements along with Emma Härdelin's striking voice, only serve to bring out these songs into further dimensions.
This should definitely be purchased!
TYhere's nothing wrong with making music more beautiful;)

5 out of 5 stars my kind of reverence.......2002-10-22

There are some surprisingly tough reviews of this CD here. Criticizing her pronounciation of the Latin lyrics!? I don't think that Garmarna intended to "recreate" any sort of authentic version of von Bingen's music. Rather this music is very much in the spirit of re-interpretation. I generally don't like techno or electronic dance music in general because I am bored by it, but to add the machinery and some of the conventions of that form to medieval plainsong certainly brings out the best in the former.

I will not even bother to argue whether it brings out the best in the latter because purists might burst a blood vessel and I certainly haven't listened to enough more reverential interpretations to really judge. I believe that the purpose of projects like these is to interest a broader audience in more traditional interpretations of historical musical forms. Once a fan of pop music or even of neo-traditional Swedish music hears this album, if they have not heard von Bingen's music before, they will most assuredly be moved to seek it out. And for that the more dogmatic of von Bingen appreciators should thank Garmarna.
Vengeance
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • This is one album you have to own!
  • This is why I explore world music
  • Vengeance Comes Dark and Bloody from Garmarna
  • driving
  • Music to raise the dead with!
Vengeance
Garmarna
Manufacturer: Northside Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. God's Musicians
  2. Hildegard von Bingen
  3. Trä
  4. Vittrad
  5. Sjofn

ASIN: B00000IGRN
Release Date: 1999-04-06

Tracks:

  1. Vulture
  2. Euchari
  3. Halling Jaron
  4. Vengeance
  5. Nine Years
  6. Stomped Bread
  7. Herr Holkin
  8. Ink
  9. Polska
  10. The Robber

Amazon.com

It begins with an eerie backwards fiddle, then the beats kick in, banging for dear life, and the cool, authoritative voice of Emma Härdelin floats over the top. It's the third Garmarna album, fulfilling every promise they'd made on their first two records. The ancient and modern achieve an almost perfect balance here, the original material sounding as if it should be centuries old. Blood, guts, violence, love, they're all here, every aspect of the human condition. While the band conjures up musical magic, it's Härdelin who emerges as the sorceress, the true star, with a voice that just seems to bewitch. Put it all together, and you have something that's more than the sum of its impressive parts. This is the record you always knew Garmarna could make. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars This is one album you have to own!.......2006-01-16

This was my very first Garmarna CD. I bought this album by blind dumb luck, having never even heard of Garmarna, and I was completely enthralled by it. After close to 5 years it is still my favorite album. Emma Härdelin has gorgeous stirring vocals, and the beats will move you whether you understand the language or not. Their music is both traditional and contemporary with a little tribal edge mixed in. You will want to play Vengeance over and over. After hearing the unique music of Garmarna you will feel compelled to beg and plead for them to tour near you, or at least I did.

5 out of 5 stars This is why I explore world music.......2006-01-10

Who cares if you can't speak Swedish? You'll have no trouble feeling the ancient stories and deep emotional resonance of this exceptional, splendid, wonderful CD. I'm an unabashed fan.

From the heart-pounding opening track to the off-kilter rhythms of "Stomped Bread" to the lushly evocative tone of "Herr Holkin", "Vengeance" presents a beautifully rounded portrait by musicians who successfully bridge some of the oldest poetry around (including a stop in the 11th century to scoop up Hildegard von Bingen's spare verse) with modern instrumentation. This is not easy listening music, by any means. The drums are tribal, the rhythms industrial, and the direct, clear voice of Emma Hardelin drives all of it with a beauty that is fierce, but never harsh. Please make room in your collection for this CD!

4 out of 5 stars Vengeance Comes Dark and Bloody from Garmarna.......2005-03-11

Garmarna's growth over the course of three albums, from 1994's Vittrad to this disc, released in 1999, is amazing. Starting off as a simple folk/rock outfit, Garmarna has, to paraphrase the words of one band member, evolved from a folk band into something else. That something else includes rollicking electronic grooves and an aural soundscape that was only hinted at on previous efforts by this Swedish outfit.
The album gets off to a heavy start with Gamen. It then crashes to a halt into the Pre-Medieval Industrial groove of Euchari, originally a hymn penned by abbess Hildergard von Bingen in the middle ages.
Another track of note includes the dark bloody title track, both eerie and unnerving at the same time, with lyrics (though sung in Swedish, the English lyrics are included) about murder, drinking blood and wild beasts. Of course, this is typical of Garmarna's lyrical fare. Only here the music really provides the appropriate backdrop to the disturbing traditional tunes.
As a whole, the album loses its intensity as the disc wears on, but don't let this keep you from getting into other wonderful tracks such as Herr Holkin, Polska (the one tune closest to their previous work) or Sorgsen Ton.
I would like to hear more rootsy stuff but this is a great disc nonetheless. It would be nice to hear an album that combined the best of their early folk work with the electronica of this album. One can only hope. In the meantime, immerse yourself in the world of Garmarna -- you won't regret it.

5 out of 5 stars driving.......2003-04-05

dark music you can dance to with beautiful vocals

there is a little of the traditional in this, but only very little. for the most part it is new electronic music

one of Northside's most progressive bands, if you ask me

also very unique music

4 out of 5 stars Music to raise the dead with!.......2002-10-27

From the first kick-off of astounding techno merged with ancient Scandinavian to the last, soaring note, Garmarna manages to make an album which brings Swedish legends to life. My favorites on the CD have to be the opening hair-raiser, "Gamen," the CD's title track with its unforgettable opening sound of a heart beating, "Vedergallningen," and the melodic "Euchari." And it is obvious from a glance at the CD's lyrics (sadly only printed in English) that Garmarna wastes no time on toning down the blood, violence, and magic of its selected folk tales. Another plus is Emma's beautiful, soaring voice, but even when it's absent the instrumentalists do a wonderful job, as evidenced by the song's only non-vocal track, "Polska."

The CD's only drawback, I believe, is the lack of explosive emotion and sound immediately following the opening track. The ending track has actually put me to sleep a few times, disappointingly, and the rest of the CD seems unable to match the frenzied pace set by "Gamen." Still, this album is definitely worth your money, whatever the drawback.
God's Musicians
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • All Yer Vänner Och Fränder Should Hear It
  • God's Musicians
  • The quintessential Garmarna album
  • Unbelievable!
  • Music from God-.
God's Musicians
Garmarna - God's Musicians
Manufacturer: Omnium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Vengeance
  2. Vittrad
  3. Sjofn
  4. Trä
  5. Hildegard von Bingen

ASIN: B000001BCV
Release Date: 1996-09-17

Tracks:

  1. Friends And Kin
  2. Sir Mannelig
  3. Halling From Macedonia
  4. My Husband
  5. Werewolf
  6. Hilla Lilla
  7. Today As Before
  8. Hunger
  9. Sir Holger
  10. Fiddlers Of God

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars All Yer Vänner Och Fränder Should Hear It.......2004-07-16

I was introduced to this amazing folk / rock outfit from Sweden via their video for V?nner Och Fr?nder and I was immediately struck by their pensiveness, instrumentation, and Emma's voice.
So I bought the album and was not disappointed by all the other great material found here. Garmarna manage to take ages-old ballads and breath a new life into them without losing their feeling of ancient realms from long ago. You don't have to know Swedish, and forget all the stereotypes associated with the culture -- this is more Valhalla than ABBA. The dark brooding arrangement on V?nner Och Fr?nder conjures up visions of rhythmic Viking rowers.
Other highpoints are the rootsy Halling from Macedonia; Werewolf; and Herr Mannelig. The haunting title track is also stellar. Along with Hedningarna, Garmarna are at the top when it comes to this sort of thing. There isn't a whole lot of variety but it still works as a whole and is a great listen all the way through and worth having.

5 out of 5 stars God's Musicians.......2003-05-30

This is a gorgeous album, both for its sound and lyrical content (in Swedish, if you didn't know) and for its great instrumentation. Few things could be improved at this point, and those that could are barely significant.

The album opens with Friends And Kin, Herr Manelig and Hålling fraken Makedonia, which set the tone for the album... however, every song on this CD is at least as good as those fantastic openers-- "Hilla Lilla", "Sir Holger" and especially "Guds Speleman" are some of the best. Throughout the album Garmarna combines Emma Hårdelin's great voice with guitars, keyed fiddles, and other varied instruments and fuses old and new together seamlessly. This is not my favorite Garmarna album (I prefer the trip-hop style of Vedergållningen) but it is the best overall album they have done (where every song is extraordinary, instead of only a few).

If you want to be exposed to something extremely different and incredibly enjoyable, this is probably your best bet. Enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars The quintessential Garmarna album.......2002-09-25

If you've never heard before the enchanting sound of Garmarna, this is the epitome, I believe, of their genre: A postmodern interpretation of medieval melodies, rhythms, and lyrics; a perfect blend of scandinavian ballads and modern rock. --Not to mention Emma HŠrdelin's voice which is the final touch to this instrumentation. I have seen them live and Stefan Brisland-Ferner is the Jimi Hendrix of the hurdy-gurdy. The quintessential Garmarna album.

5 out of 5 stars Unbelievable!.......2000-08-22

After being totally hooked by Garmarna's music with Vittrad, I decided to go for God's Musicians.. and it gives you such a feeling of energy and depth that most bands never even try for. Like one of the other reviews (I forgot which one) I am learning Swedish largely because of them. Garmarna's going to have a concert 500 feet away from my house in November and I can't wait!

In any case, Garmarna's music is cool, controlled, and energetic. You'd never guess this stuff was folk music... and the lyrics are great as well. The combination of different styles of music make the album so entrancing... all you need to enjoy this one is a pulse.

4 out of 5 stars Music from God-........1999-04-03

If you like something different from another part of the world--this is it. Traditional Swedish ballads with the attitude of rock! Distrubing songs of murder, wolves, and tradition along with a female singer to die for. If you like this--try other artists on the North Star label.
Vittrad
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Garmarna, music for a new.
  • Vittrad Is Hit and Miss
  • A classic.
  • Raw, rhythmic, dark and exciting!
  • Unique Combo... hundreds of years ago - Today!
Vittrad
Garmarna
Manufacturer: Omnium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. God's Musicians
  2. Vengeance
  3. Hildegard von Bingen
  4. Garmarna
  5. Trä

ASIN: B000001BCO
Release Date: 1994-11-22

Tracks:

  1. Mother & Daughter Punished
  2. Garm's Bark
  3. Commissioner Ola
  4. Kulleritova
  5. Crumbling Away
  6. Cranium
  7. Tonsilitis Polska
  8. Antioch
  9. LIttle Kersti
  10. We Won't Grieve...
  11. Judgment Schottische
  12. Sold Away
  13. Stepmother
  14. Kleveberg's Fire

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Garmarna, music for a new........2006-11-05

I've been studying world music for some time and came across this artist some while back. The music blew me away. I bought all their albums in a heartbeat. Their music progresses from this very primal foundation and later progresses to more of a industrial popish type incorporation.
This band of course being from Sweden gives you a sense of ancient roots. The female vocals are so haunting using various harmonic minor scales (along with quarter-toned intervals) and with traditional Nordic Kulning & Yoik singing. Very beautiful melodies that give me goosebumps down the back of my spine.

A must buy for those studying the traditional/ancient Scandinavian music.

3 out of 5 stars Vittrad Is Hit and Miss.......2005-03-10

The first full length disc by Swedish folk rockers Garmarna showcase their flare for combining dark, old world ballads with modern rock twists.
This is a band that still has a lot of room to grow and they seem unsure of what to do with singer Emma Härdelin, who was new to the Garmarna fold at the time; most of the brief tracks here are instrumentals (Emma does play fiddle and flute) and only a handful have vocals. The best of those are Den Bortsålda (a classic!) and Straffad Moder & Dotter. Emma's voice is raw and the band play pretty conservatively -- they show very little of the stretching out that would come on later releases.
The brevity of the individual tracks works against the album, but taken on the whole it is a nice listen and is a great step back in time as well. The band would go on to do better things but this album is still worth having for the aforementioned tracks, as well as other tracks such as Vittrad and Klevabergselden.

5 out of 5 stars A classic........2004-06-21

This is one of my very favourite albums. Happily I discovered it shortly after it's release in the mid 90's, and I have treasured it ever since. It is a grim masterpiece, largely neo-medieval in feel, with the suitably coarse hurdy-gurdy sharing the textural pallette with fiddles, heavy percussion and a plethora of folk and modern instruments, whilst the beautiful, fearsome singing of Emma Hardelin weaves harrowing tales on top. The focus is upon darker ballads and wild dances from the Swedish tradition, and there's not a weak moment throughout this spellbinding album.

The few Garmarna fans that I know all regard "Vittrad" and the preceeding "Garmarna E.P" as their greatest works. This is not to say that Garmarna have since gone downhill, far from it, I suppose they've just gone up a different hill from the one we hoped they'd choose, but it's nevertheless got a mighty fine view. They are not the most prolific band, which is a shame, because I'd love to hear more in the vein of "Vittrad" from them, though I doubt they will return to this sound.

I read that the band themselves hardly play any of the early material live anymore, and are even a little embarrassed by it, which is surprising.

This album has pride of place in my cd collection, being a pivotal purchase, and a darned fine cd. If you like this cd, and wish to explore the Scandinavian folk scene further, it's well worth checking out Gjallarhorn, Hedningarna (though the latter, while having a heavy approach similar to Garmarna, is infused with a skewed humour that makes it somewhat different in feel), Lena Willemark and Ale Moller ("Nordan" and "Hasten Och Tranen" are great, as are their albums in the trio Frifot), and also, for more of Emma's lovely singing, there is Triakel.

Fans of Dead Can Dance, Unto Ashes, Love Is Colder Than Death, Miranda Sex Garden, and other gothy bands that have delved into the neo-medieval and folk spheres, may well be delighted with Vittrad too.

5 out of 5 stars Raw, rhythmic, dark and exciting!.......2004-02-05

This is the pinnacle of Garmarna's 'raw' albums.The rhythm is pulsating, and the instrument combinations are perfect.Grinding violin/zithers, jew's harp, bag-pipes, ancient drums etc.But the surprise to non-afficianado's of Nordic folk, is the usage of distortion guitar.Some Nordic folk bands (this band and album being an example) are better at heavy-metal riff'ing than many a heavy metal band.And of course, the female singer.She sounds like she's standing on the edge of a vast tundra just singing to the ice and the sky.Though later albums will prove her more 'professional', this one shows her at her most prime-eval.She is piercing.The themes are dark and violent.The wilderness is the back-drop of Nordic folk, whether it be human spells or animals as the focal-point.There is nothing pretty about this albums angle on this nature.If you like dark raw emotions and can stomach graphic depictions, give this culture a go.And starting with this album would be well-advised.This can match any heavy-metal album for grim story-telling.

5 out of 5 stars Unique Combo... hundreds of years ago - Today!.......2002-10-18

Shame the American Public doesn't get exposed more to the rest of the World. This is Grooves that travel through Time with perfect and inventive musicianship. I personally like to start this Cd on song No. 13 "Stepmother" and let it continue as a mix into the beginning with song No. 1 "Mother and Daughter Punished", there's some fluidity to it. By the way I don't understand nor speak Swedish, then again I love Banco del Mutuo Soccorso and don't speak Italian eather. Good Music is what counts.
This is worth the experience, a must! Recommended.
Guds Speleman
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Guds Speleman

    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B00080BZJW
    Release Date: 2007-05-22
    Garmarna
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • wonderful debut from an excellent group
    • My favorite of theirs
    • An impressive debut!
    Garmarna
    Garmarna
    Manufacturer: Northside Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
    1. Vittrad
    2. Hildegard von Bingen
    3. God's Musicians
    4. Vengeance
    5. Sjofn

    ASIN: B00005BGKH
    Release Date: 2001-05-08

    Tracks:

    1. Little Mats Polska
    2. Seeming Polska
    3. Earth-Diggers Song
    4. Sir Olaf
    5. Pining Polska
    6. Cow-call From Halsingland
    7. Kleveberg's Fire
    8. Garm's Bark
    9. Tonsilitis Polska
    10. Moon's Polska
    11. Antioch
    12. Skenpolska
    13. Klevabergselden

    Amazon.com

    Gamarna was one of the first Swedish bands to blend dance tunes and songs from the ballad tradition, much like a Scandinavian version of the Irish group De Dannan. Garmarna is a remastered version of their self-titled 1993 debut EP, which has been expanded on CD by the addition of six songs from their 1992 demo. After those recordings were made, the band went on to become one of Sweden's most innovative folk groups. And even though all the tracks here are acoustic, with none of the amplified instruments and drum loops the group experimented with on later recordings, the music still exhibits an adventurous spirit. The musicians use a wide assortment of instruments--hurdy-gurdies, Jew's harps, bouzoukis, guitars, and violins--to create sonic tapestries that weave together medieval-sounding harmonies with modern rhythms. Their "modern-ancient" sound is a perfect backdrop for Emma Hardelin, whose vocals add a soft edge to the sometimes dark ambiance of the music. (One band member is credited on percussion and death grunts.) The music on Garmarna is more folk-oriented than most of their later recordings, but the power of these performances shows that the band learned the rules of traditional music, before they went on the break them. --Michael Simmons

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars wonderful debut from an excellent group.......2002-03-30

    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.

    4 out of 5 stars My favorite of theirs.......2002-01-24

    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.

    5 out of 5 stars An impressive debut!.......2001-12-29

    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.
    Hildegard Von Bingen
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Hildegard Von Bingen

      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
      FolkFolk | Imports | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B000BMGFOW
      Release Date: 2007-05-22
      Vittrad
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Vittrad

        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
        FolkFolk | Imports | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B00080CNMU
        Release Date: 2007-05-22
        Vittrad
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Vittrad

          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
          FolkFolk | Imports | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B000QGDYG0
          Release Date: 2007-05-22
          Folk Acts Sweden 2002
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Folk Acts Sweden 2002
            Various Artists , Mats Edén , Maria Kalaniemi & Sven Ahlbäck , Draupner , Ulrika Bodén , Månsson & Åberg , Lisa , Päkkos Gustaf med Jonas Holmén och Ola Bäckström , Pelle Björnlert , and Bengt Löfberg
            Manufacturer: Folk Net Sweden
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B000T0GEXI

            Product Description

            26 song collection of the best Swedish Folk bands of 2002. BANDS: Mats Edén, Maria Kalaniemi & Sven Ahlbäck, Draupner, Ulrika Bodén, Månsson & Åberg, Lisa, Päkkos Gustaf med Jonas Holmén och Ola Bäckström, Pelle Björnlert, Bengt Löfberg, Sophia Eriksson, Anders Nygårds, David Tallroth, Hjerp Erik, Hoven droven, Ulf Störling, Lars Hollmer, Jack Brothers, Garmarna, Gunnfjauns kapell, Björn Björn, Lästringe låtar, Åsa Jinder, Anders Hagberg, Gunnel Mauritzson, Tummel, Jive Connection, Östblocket SONGS: Dänna dänn. Croplatsen polska. Ante Sundin. Giftasvisan. Vandring. En jungfru födde ett barn idag. Polska efter Päkkos Olle. Enshult d-moll. Köhlen. Ombyggnaden. Polska efter Blank Hans. Syen. PS 418. Polska. Skum. Sne snoa. Vindissima virga. Groddapolskan. Polska efter Hillbom. Slängpolska. Oppigårn. Lek. Hemmet. Mazltov cocktail. Special delivery. Two happy elephants

            Rock Music:

            1. Golden Best, Vol. 1 [Import]
            2. Hawaiian Style, Vol. 3
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            5. Kaya N'Gan Daya
            6. Keiki O' Ka 'Aina
            7. Kita Mata ABC
            8. La Main Sur le Coeur [Import]
            9. La Toussaint
            10. Lado B Lado a [Enhanced] [Import]

            Rock Music

            rock music

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