Garde – Harbinger of revenge and war (CD)

A bolt-from-the-blue debut, seemingly, GARDE are the ultimate in bombastic and epic Viking metal. Garde – a weapon of great power, was in the making no less than twenty-five years. A massive work was forged with resilient warrior-fury, with especial attention given to details, culminating in a guaranteed-triumphant ending with the release of their full-length debut, Harbinger of revenge and war.

Writing and recording for the album originally started in the year 2000 but was never finished… until now, 25 years later. GARDE started as a side-project of A. (of Cultus, among many others), but the project was forgotten until the flame was reignited after inviting Dan Cap (Wolcensmen, Solstice, Gràb, ex-Winterfylleth) to contribute lead vocals – who did monumental work writing and recording the vocal melodies. Using the original 2002 recordings, nothing was changed to the song structures and riffs – yet many moons of restoring, mixing, and adding parts followed, and the result is immortalized in this album in which GARDE take immense pride.

While “Viking metal” has largely lost its original meaning in these days of Eurofest silliness, GARDE stride forth across tundra both tangible and spiritual to restore the honour, valour, and pride central to the subgenre. Thusly aptly titled, Harbinger of revenge and war is Viking Berserkr Metal for fans of Scald, Mayhemic Truth, Norden, Countess, and of course the pioneering trilogy of Bathory.

Lead vocals and choirs by Dan Capp. Original cover painting by Wesley Dewanckel. Additional guitar solos by JS.

CD out now – vinyl LP coming December/Januari!

Listen to this album on:
Spotify