Kampfar, formed in 1994, was born from the ashes of the mighty MOCK, in the… Read Full Bio ↴Kampfar, formed in 1994, was born from the ashes of the mighty MOCK, in the early times of Norwegian Black Metal. The whole idea is to make music inspired by the nordic nature, folklores and myths. 'Kampfar' translates to Odin/Wodan.
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)

Skavank
Kampfar Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Forvis dem tilbake
Ingen bønn ingen profeti
Ingen hymne eller ritualer
Et liv i en skyggeeksistens

Forvis dem tilbake
Til den dype jord
Riv dem i biter

Alle må blø

Ingen bønn intet liv
Ingen hymne eller ritualer
Et liv i en skyggeeksistens

Forvis dem tilbake
Til den dype jord
Riv dem i biter
Alle må dø

Tørste
I mørke
En slange snor seg frem
Gjørme
Støv og slim
Et dyr fra fremmed jord
Åler
Seg frem i støv og skitt
Krast kvesses dødens stank
Forkynner
Om et liv i evig hat

En slange snor seg frem
En ridende skavank
En slanges skarpe tann
Krast kvesses dødens stank
En slange snor seg frem

En slange snor seg frem

Krast! Veives Dødens fane
Kvasst! Kvesses horn og klør
Krast! Skriker Djevelens barn
Kvasst! Slipes rikets stål
Kvasst! Sluker myren Døden
Krast! Lyser nymånens øyne
Kvasst! Biter en tørstens slange gulper etter alt falmende i brann
Krast! Inn i døden
Krast! Under jord
Krast! Biter Døden lyset

Krast! Sluker jorden
Krast

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Kampfar's song "Skavank" convey a dark and intense atmosphere, filled with imagery of death, destruction, and hatred. The repeated phrase "Forvis dem tilbake" (send them back) sets the tone for the song as a proclamation of banishment or punishment. There is no room for prayers, prophecies, hymns, or rituals in this shadow existence depicted in the lyrics.

The lines "Tørste, I mørke, En slange snor seg frem" (Thirst, in darkness, a snake slithers forward) describe the emergence of a menacing creature from a foreign land. This creature represents death and embodies a venomous and relentless force. Its presence is described as bringing forth mud, dust, and filth as it moves through the world. It announces a life of eternal hatred, proclaiming its intentions through its sharp fangs and the stench of death.

The final section of the lyrics intensifies the imagery and the aggression portrayed. The phrase "Krast! Veives Dødens fane" (Harsh! Death's banner waves) implies the raising of a flag of death, signaling its arrival and dominion. The use of the words "Kvasses horn og klør" (Sharpened horns and claws) emphasizes the malicious intent of this embodiment of evil. The song ends with a powerful declaration of death conquering all, consuming light and swallowing the earth.

Overall, "Skavank" is a poetic and vivid depiction of a dark force wreaking havoc and spreading eternal hatred, symbolized by a snake-like creature and its destructive actions.

Line by Line Meaning

Forvis dem tilbake
Banish them back

Ingen bønn ingen profeti
No prayer, no prophecy

Ingen hymne eller ritualer
No hymns or rituals

Et liv i en skyggeeksistens
A life in a shadowy existence

Til den dype jord
To the deep earth

Riv dem i biter
Tear them into pieces

Alle må blø
Everyone must bleed

Ingen bønn intet liv
No prayer, no life

Til den dype jord
To the deep earth

Riv dem i biter
Tear them into pieces

Alle må dø
Everyone must die