In Europe Nargaroth is regarded as a joke, perhaps due to mainman Kanwulf's often bizarre and outspoken opinions, skewed self history, and his appearance on a tabloid talk show. There is even a whole site dedicated to discrediting Kanwulf and Nargaroth. But let's set all this controversy aside for a minute and judge Nargaroth solely on the merit of the first album Herbstleyd. We hear a roaring fire, witches in song, the clang of swords and shields, and some dialogue in German before the title track "Herbstleyd" kicks in with its plodding tempo and wispy keyboards. Overall Nargaroth's sound here sort of bridges the gap between Burzum and Gorgoroth. The riffs are fantastic even if they aren't particularly challenging or fresh. Herbstleyd is about as good as German black metal records get, I really don't understand Kanwulf's need to surround himself in controversy and provocation. It seems distracting.
Another gem AEsop, and thanks for the link to that anti Kanwulf/Nargaroth website. I had no idea about any of this weird conroversy and proved an interesting little piece black metal trivia - that is to say I had never heard of anyone who apparently promotes black metalness the same way a transvestite promotes sexist female stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteAn oddly compelling mixture of music and ostracism.
You're totally right that this character is laughed down in these parts. What a loon. Nice horse cover on this one, though.
ReplyDelete"Herbstleyd is about as good as German black metal records get"
ReplyDeleteHave we already forgotten Dark Tribe?
you have to give the man props for the "...ist krieg" meme though.
ReplyDeletevery true, I have used it often myself.
ReplyDeletegenericblogname, I agree, I decided to let the linked website explain all the crazy discrepancies in recording dates and Nargoroth history. This is about a black metal record, that despite being made by an alleged liar and sleazebag, is really great.
ReplyDeletehey guys,
ReplyDeletecheck out this video. it's a rip from nargaroth's ultra limited semper fidelis box set which was only handed out to true fans (you had to write him a letter and include something personal in order to get a box)...
apparently one of those fans ripped the dvd and put it on youtube...
well...if you understand german, it's even funnier...the subtitles are ok though.
don't miss part 3 where he's burning some of his cd's and other stuff...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yUukyFNRWk
and here's the video where kanwulf's talking about his clothing habits. :-) unfortunately it's only in german.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7iunkXJeP0
the german black metal elite :-)(whatever that may be) thinks that he's a total douchebag...
I think it is funny people make such a big deal about this guys douchebaggery. Isn't a good portion of black metal born out of lies, over-the-top certoonish behavior, and self promoted controversy? Not to mention the countless rumors spread about people in the "scene"? Sure the Guy is outlandish and idiotic, but he makes good black metal.
ReplyDeleteIf you're gonna cross a bridge from Burzum to Gorgoroth, you're gonna want a black horse.
ReplyDeletehere is a podcast about Nargaroth done by turklord. he is awesome
ReplyDeleteTo subscribe open itunes...go to advanced....Subscribe to Podcasts... And paste the below in the box...
http://tearsofman.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
hit enter...done
peace
c
wow i can't believe i just spent a good hour reading up on this douchebag ha ha ha fantastic!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yUukyFNRWk
ReplyDelete(thanx to anonymous) MAN, this is the biggest pile of pig shit I ever had the pleasure to witness... Honestly, I respect if someone likes Nargaroth for the musical aspect, BUT: this guy CAN NOT be tolerated in ANY way, as it's a completely build-up image he shows here and at the same time complaining about everyone's hurting him verbally, and it's acted very bad... He would have even be kicked out from an Ed Wood movie, I'm sure. Just my opinion, but as I love music in general, FUCK THIS GUY, as the music may sound right but everything else concerning "Kanwulf" feels terribly WRONG... And too much salt in the food... you know!
Damn it, in that video he seemed just like the kind of cool, laid-back, doesn't take himself too seriously kinda guy I would like to hang in the pub with shooting pool, but as I'm one of those "short-haired gay guys you see at metal gigs" I guess it'll never happen, oh well...
ReplyDeleteGood album, though, just don't tell him that I like it, he might have to make another video...