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)
Pole In The Ground
Kampfar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Choked by a pole in the ground
Captures of light become inerted
In the lowest darkest pit i feel them crawl
Through my darkest hate and spit
I see them fall
Shades moving faster than fire
Since the dawn of shadow men
Faster than fire faster than light
An outcast obsessed by shadows
Crippled, weeping, gnashing of teeth
Night terror the sun has been blocked
Crippled by darkness burning despair
From the shadow keeper
Night terror
In the opening lines of "Pole In The Ground," Kampfar delves into the concept of creation and the subsequent stifling of light. The reference to "creation of light" suggests the birth or emergence of something positive and radiant. However, this is quickly contrasted by the image of a "pole in the ground" choking or constricting the light. This imagery symbolizes a force or barrier that prevents the light from freely shining and flourishing.
The next line, "Captures of light become inerted," further emphasizes the suppression of light. It suggests that any attempts to capture or harness the light are rendered useless and lifeless. The word "inerted" indicates a lack of energy or vitality, as if the once vibrant light is now stagnant and immobile.
Moving into the next verse, the lyrics take on a more personal and introspective tone. The singer reflects on their own experience in the "lowest darkest pit." Here, the pit likely symbolizes a state of emotional or psychological darkness. The crawling sensation implies a feeling of unease or discomfort, as if something malevolent is lurking within.
The line "Through my darkest hate and spit, I see them fall" suggests that the singer is immersed in a state of intense negativity and hostility. Their hate and anger seem to fuel their ability to observe and witness the fall of something or someone. This can be interpreted as an act of vengeance or a desire to see those who have caused pain or oppression to suffer the consequences.
As the lyrics progress, references to night, shadow, and darkness become prominent. The "nightmoon on the hunt to dominate" alludes to a force or entity that seeks to establish its dominance during the nighttime hours. The shades moving faster than fire indicate the agility and elusiveness of these shadow-like beings. It is implied that these shadow men have existed since the beginning of time, suggesting a timeless presence and influence.
The line "Faster than fire, faster than light" emphasizes the speed and intensity of these shadow beings, surpassing even the most energetic and radiant elements in existence. The singer portrays themselves as an outcast obsessed with shadows, suggesting a deep fascination or preoccupation with darkness and its associated entities.
The mention of being "crippled, weeping, gnashing of teeth" describes a state of intense suffering and despair. The presence of the night terror and the blocking of the sun intensify this feeling of despair and hopelessness. The singer feels trapped and oppressed by darkness, experiencing a burning despair that consumes them from the shadow keeper.
In summary, "Pole In The Ground" by Kampfar explores the concepts of light, darkness, and shadow through evocative imagery and introspective reflection. It delves into the suppression and inertness of light, while also delving into personal experiences of darkness and hostility. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the power and dominance of shadow beings, as well as the crippling effects of despair and a lost connection to light.
Line by Line Meaning
Creation of light
The act of bringing light into existence
Choked by a pole in the ground
Feeling restricted and suffocated by an immovable obstacle
Captures of light become inerted
Light that is captured loses its vitality and becomes lifeless
In the lowest darkest pit I feel them crawl
In a state of deep despair, I sense negative emotions crawling within me
Through my darkest hate and spit
Despite my intense negativity and resentment
I see them fall
I witness their downfall
Nightmoon on the hunt to dominate
The overpowering force of darkness seeking control
Shades moving faster than fire
Shadowy figures moving swiftly and unpredictably
Since the dawn of shadow men
From the beginning, shadowy figures have existed
Faster than fire, faster than light
Moving at an incredible speed, surpassing even the velocity of fire and light
An outcast obsessed by shadows
A rejected individual consumed by an obsession with darkness
Crippled, weeping, gnashing of teeth
Emotionally and physically incapacitated, experiencing intense pain and anguish
Night terror, the sun has been blocked
A horrifying experience of darkness and fear, as the sun's presence is obscured
Crippled by darkness, burning despair
Overwhelmed and immobilized by the depths of darkness and profound sadness
From the shadow keeper
Emerging from the one who embodies and controls the shadows
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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