Månegarm’s 30th anniversary could not have started on better (and more folk-infused) notes. The 12th album from the Swedish black/pagan/folk metal veterans, Edsvuren, is a culmination of the influences and styles they have cultivated over the past three decades. The sound is fresh yet recognisable, melodic yet raw—exactly what Månegarm is in 2025. However, the album holds a few surprises that may divide the fanbase, perhaps even more than their English-language album, Legions of the North.

The album starts strong with ‘I skogsfruns famn’ (feat. Lea Grawsiö Lindström). It immediately establishes the band’s signature sound with a cyclical, hypnotic riff, fierce verses, a melodic pre-chorus, and an epic, soaring chorus. The momentum continues relentlessly into ‘Lögrinns värn’, where the Amon Amarth influence feels most potent. Though largely limited to this track, the band masterfully infuses it with their own distinct folk and forest atmosphere, making the song incredibly strong. The assault doesn’t let up with ‘En blodvittneskrans’; after a few moments of bewilderment from its opening chants, a crushing riff reminds us that this is still an extreme metal album, driving forward with Erik Grawsiö’s fierce vocals before giving way to the kind of melodic, trademark chorus fans have come to love.

The album shifts into its folk heart. The first of these tracks, ‘Rodhins hav’ (feat. Ellinor Videfors), is a quiet, contemplative tribute to those lost at sea. The female vocalist’s tone is dramatic and powerful, perfectly complementing the male counter-vocals. This is followed by ‘Till gudars följe’, another folk piece, this time with Grawsiö singing solo over a more upbeat rhythm. With violins weaving melodies alongside the acoustic guitar, fans of their Urminnes Hävd – The Forest Sessions album will feel right at home. This quieter section leads into what is arguably the album’s masterpiece, ‘En nidings dåd’. An epic ballad and one of the finest in their entire discography, it’s a slow-burning epic that builds towards greatness. Its catchy chorus avoids being cloying, the solos are majestic, and the track stands as a worthy heir to the spirit of Bathory’s Blood on Ice era.

‘Hör mitt kall’, the first single released, feels like perhaps the weakest track on the album. While it serves its purpose of introducing the new record, it plays it safe. Its impact may be diminished by its placement immediately after the album’s masterpiece. The folk elements return with the guest performances from Ellinor Videfors on ‘I runor ristades orden’ and ‘Skild från hugen’. The first is a goosebump-inducing piece whether you are in the mud of the festival or near the fireplace reading a book. The second is Månegarm’s trademark sound: a fierce cavalcade of violins, guitars, and raw vocals. It is a battle hymn destined for the stage, complete with a surprising, reflective mid-section that allows fans a moment to breathe before the final assault.

The album continues with ‘Likgökens fest’. Its claustrophobic opening riff is bolstered by classic melodic structures and a more apocalyptic central chorus that lends a painful edge to the subsequent solo. It’s a powerful ending, but the journey isn’t over. The acoustic title track, ‘Edsvuren’ (feat. Liv Hope Lenard), closes the album, guiding the listener by hand to the saga’s end as it has done with almost every previous album. As a final epilogue, ‘Ofredsfylgjor’ serves as a pure, unadulterated nod to the ritualistic style of Wardruna.

Edsvuren is a fantastic journey across sadness, folklore, and truly enveloping melodies. The metal tracks are packed with compelling, melodic solos, while the acoustic songs take a more prominent role than on many previous albums. Long-time fans yearning for the raw aggression of albums (Vargstenen is long gone) may be disappointed by this more “acoustic” and epic direction. Others, however, will embrace the new path of a seasoned Viking warrior, skilled enough to survive the battle and now sharing his epic tales with his kin. I, for one, can’t wait for the next 30 years of tales.

Release Date: August 29th, 2025
Napalm Records
Reviewed By: Vini Wanderer 
Review Score: 8.5