GARMARNA -- A Brief Overview

Well, I guess this is as good a time as any to give a brief review of three of Garmarna's albums. The band debuted in 1992 with a self-titled EP (which was later expanded to a full-length disc). In 1994, Vittrad (or Crumbling Away)was released. It features a balance of short traditional pieces and rock infused medieval songs. Vocalist Emma Härdelin sings with prestine passion, and the other four members are well-equipped to handle every musical curveball that comes their way, be it guitars and drums or fiddles and hurdy-gurdys. Standout tracks from this album include Den Bortsålda (only the second song I ever heard by them and the song that hooked me), Klevabergselden and the title track.
In 1996, Guds Spelemän (God's Musicians) was released. The album is more structured and tune oriented, and really works best as a whole rather than a backdrop for one or two "hits". Speaking of which, the highlights here are Vänner och Fränder (the song I first heard by them), Herr Holgir, the title track and the instrumental ditty Halling From Macedonia. It retains the rootsy feel of the first album with a light contemporary underpinning that takes nothing away from the ancient feel of these tracks. This is probably my favorite of their albums (so far!).
The third album in a trio of great discs is Vedergällningen (Vengeance). This album takes the basic roots sound of their earlier work and progresses it into a more contemporary palette of sound, with modern beats and rhythms swirling around the speakers, evoking shades of EuroPop stylings and Björk-like arrangements. Cool moments include the title track, Gamen, Euchari, and Sorgsen Ton.
They have released another album since, called Hildegard Von Bingen (with songs based on the hymns of the medieval abbess). It takes their sound even farther away from the folky basics and into new territory with house party beats and edgy arrangements with a cool heavenly soundscape underneath.
A new album is forthcoming next year. Should be interesting to see where the band takes their sound on the next one. I await it's release in anticipation...