After releasing a demo in 1995, their first release was the self-titled EP Kampfar, by Season of Mist in 1996 followed by full length Mellom skogkledde aaser by Malicious Records in 1997. Being a studio band, without spending time on live shows or tours and with no intentions to slow down they released another EP Norse in 1998, and full length Fra underverdenen in 1999 both on Hammerheart Records. Then there were 7 years of studio silence although they began to play their first live shows in 2004.
Signing to Napalm records, they released three full length albums on that label: Kvass (2006), Heimgang (2008), & Mare (2011). All were well received by critics and listeners alike. Thus completed their contract with Napalm.
Their next releases were two singles leading up to their sixth full length album, 2014's Djevelmakt released by Indie Recordings.
Members:
Dolk - Vocals (also drums from '94-'03) (Mock, ex-Gruesome)
Ask (as II13) - Drums, Vocals (ex-Graven Image, ex-Mondvolland, others)
Jon - Bass (Fester, ex-Carpathian Full Moon, ex-Gruesome, many others)
Ole Hartvigsen - Guitars, (ex-Utumno now called Emancer, Mistur)
Ex-members:
Thomas Andreassen - Guitars (also bass from '94-'03)
Ravenheart
Kampfar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Black wings
Icewinds
Embraced by the blood
Of ravenhearts
Over mountains
Over fields
Brought by black wings
Brought by winds
Through the icewinds
Over seas
Over mountains
Over fields
Follow the dark sign
Follow the north sign
Follow the wolf sign
Follow the ravenheart
Follow the dark winds
Follow the black wings
Follow the bloodline
Follow the ravenheart
The lyrics of Kampfar's song Ravenheart are full of imagery and symbolism, invoking the power of the natural world and the mythic creatures that inhabit it. The opening lines suggest a dark and ominous presence, as black wings and icewinds combine with the blood of ravenhearts to create a foreboding atmosphere. The repetition of the phrase "over mountains, over fields" emphasizes the vastness of the landscape being traversed, while the use of the verb "embraced" to describe the blood of the ravenhearts suggests a sense of connection or even possession. As the chorus kicks in, the listener is urged to follow various signs and symbols associated with the north and the wilderness: the dark sign, the wolf sign, and most importantly, the ravenheart.
Taken as a whole, the lyrics of Ravenheart suggest a journey into the unknown, a quest for knowledge and power that takes the traveler into the heart of darkness. The ravenheart, in particular, seems to represent a key to unlocking the mysteries of the natural world, a guide who can lead the way through the dangers and challenges of such a journey. At the same time, the lyrics acknowledge the fearsome power of these primal forces, as embodied in the dark winds, black wings, and icewinds that threaten to engulf the traveler at every turn. Overall, the song creates a vivid and evocative portrait of a world teeming with magic and danger, a world that can only be navigated by those brave enough to follow the call of the ravenheart.
Line by Line Meaning
Dark winds
The winds are dark and ominous
Black wings
Dark wings signify an ominous presence
Icewinds
The cold winds of winter
Embraced by the blood
The imagery of blood represents a fierce, passionate embrace of something or someone
Of ravenhearts
The hearts of ravens, birds which feature in various myths and legends as harbingers of death or messengers of the gods
Over mountains
Travelling across great heights
Over fields
Travelling through and over landscapes
Brought by black wings
A sense of foreboding or darkness carried on the wings
Brought by winds
The winds bring change or transformation
Through the icewinds
Traveling through the harsh, unforgiving environment of winter
Over seas
Voyaging across vast bodies of water
Follow the dark sign
The path to be followed is one of darkness, of the unknown
Follow the north sign
Following the direction of North, possibly towards the cold of winter or darker times
Follow the wolf sign
The wolf represents power, strength and primal instincts
Follow the ravenheart
A call to follow the passion and determination of the raven in pursuing what is desired
Follow the dark winds
Following the winds which carry change, transformation and perhaps destruction along with them
Follow the black wings
Following the ominous presence of dark wings
Follow the bloodline
Following a family or lineage of a particular trait or quality, perhaps one of power or strength
Follow the ravenheart
Another call to follow the determination of the raven, which represents a relentless pursuit of what is desired
Contributed by London H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.