KAMPFAR, many recognize them as one of the best pagan black metal bands from Norway. Three years after "Heimgang" (Full-length) continue their good work with their new full-length "Mare". I got to admit that "Heimgang" was my favorite KAMPFAR album, until this one. However most bands have one or two good albums, KAMPFAR now show us that they continue their good work. There's no lack of new inspiration, these crazy Norwegians continue their "pagan black metal trip", following the path of their Viking ancestors. We got to accept that it's not easy for a band having the same lyrical themes and music style and at the same time be a successful band. It's not just us who recognize their good work, they participated in great music festivals and this summer will participate in some of the best music festivals.

Some information about KAMPFAR: formed in 1994, in 1995 they start with their promo and continue with their first EP "Kampfar". Two years later in 1997 they release their first Full-length "Mellom Skogkledde Aaser". One year later, 1998, another EP from KAMPFAR, "Norse", and it was their first English lyrics. The following year, 1999, KAMPFAR released their second full-length entitled "Fra Underverdenen".  Following the release of "Fra Underverdenen", KAMPFAR almost disappeared from the face of the earth. It was the beginning of a long period of inactivity due to personal issues. Once resolved, KAMPFAR regained its momentum. In 2003, KAMPFAR focused on writing new material and live offers. So in 2006 Full-length "Kvass" was their glorious return. They go on with another Full-length in 2008 called "Heimgang", once again remained to their style delivering raw Pagan metal, it used to be my favorite album. But this year the new Full-length "Mare" was something exciting.

"Mare" came to declare that this band will go on. This album became my favorite. We can see an enormous inspiration, again, from this really talented band. Part of the album was written in the mountains of Hemsedal, KAMPFAR's spiritual home since its beginnings. Hemsedal is a frozen place of unique beauty. In this frozen and calm place KAMPFAR find their inspiration. The album "Mare" opens a new chapter in the band's history, while delivering a true monument to Black Metal. All this yeas of work, music and lyrical themes gives KAMPFAR a place in, what the Black Metal fans call, "True Norwegian Black Metal". They have achieved the difficult task of giving their sound new impulses without losing their unique style. "Mare" is another travel through time, the Pagan spirit lives on this album and the echoes of the Viking ancestors come through the music. My opinion is that it was hard to believe that something even better (than "Heimgang") could come true.

So what about the sound? Well, the sound of "Mare" album is a quality work, once again remained true to their primordial style delivering raw Pagan Folklore Metal. Some keyboard passages for a darkest melodic essence, icy guitar riffs, the bass gives a raw style, the drums are aggressive or oppressive when needed and Dolk's raw vocals are great. Also some more thoughtful guitar sections than you might typically find on a classic black metal album. There are dark melodies, folk melodies and raw and pagan black metal style as one; this is KAMPFAR! The first song, "Mare", is a powerful song and the English lyrics were the best present for the fans. "Ildstemmer" is the second song, starts with an ambient keyboard melody and then continues with this unique, KAMPFAR,raw and at the same time melodic style. I also enjoyed "Bergtatt", fantastic song with great melodic bits and Dolk's raw vocals are something amazing! "Nattgang" is also a great song, furious, raw and also melodic and ambient. I confess that I enjoyed the entire album.

There are so many unique aspects to this music that it is difficult to really nail down one defining trait of this band. There isn't really any concept of stylistic limitation to be heard anywhere on this entire album. The only concept is just what we can call "KAMPFAR unique style". "Mare" album is black metal in the good old KAMPFAR style, of course with some little changes without changing their unique sound. After this album can we expect something even better?