Hagalaz’ Runedance * Urd – That Which Was (mcd 1999 well of urd)

Hagalaz’ Runedance is the recent musical outlet of Andreas “Nebel” Haugen. In her Hagalaz group and newsletter she explores traditions of the North and the musical traditions of the North are explored in Hagalaz’ Runedance. This resulted in a very nice 7″ called “When The Trees Were Silent” (97) and the cd “The Winds That Sang Of Midgard’s Fate” (98), both on Elfenblut / Misanthrope. Really beautiful neo-folk music with triballic drumming, flutes and Andreas’ vocals. Now there’s this mcd on the Dutch label Well of Urd, which turns out to be nothing more (or less) than the metallabel Hammerheart. Anyway, “Urd-…” opens with two really good new songs in the true Hagalaz’ Runedance vein. Then we have three old songs in techno/dance remixes which sound like shit! Total desecration of the folky tones and even remixed in a very boring way!! A damn expensive mcd this was too, but this way it’s really expensive. So, tip of the day, if you want to hear good Norse folkmusic, buy the cd of Hagalaz’ Runedance, but leave this mcd where it is. <2>