After a long search for a lead vocalist, Smaug was selected; Svein von Hackenberg became acquainted with Smaug and Rhyktius at a party and entered the band's lineup as bassist in 1995. In autumn 1995, Smaug was replaced by Jander, and Garvin joined as session keyboardist. This lineup recorded the band's first demo, Als die Tore sich öffnen (As the Gates Open); their second demo, Jagd (Hunt), followed the next year before the band secured a contract with Kettenhund Records.
In 1997, the band released the first album, Hünengrab im Herbst; a split EP with Dark Embrace titled "Nur ein See" ("Only One Lake") followed the same year. In 1998, Svein von Hackenberg departed for personal reasons; he was replaced by Chaos. The production of Srontgorrth, a concept album, was marred by turmoil, resulting in the departure of Jander before all the vocal tracks had been recorded. Zingultus was Jander's replacement, and Chaos left the band shortly after the completion of Srontgorrth. In 2001, Virus West appeared; in April 2002, the band broke up because of Zorn's lack of motivation. Von Meilenwald formed The Ruins of Beverast shortly thereafter, while Zorn has formed Simple Existenz and EgoNoir.
Discography:
1995 - Als die Tore sich öffnen (demo)
1996 - Jagd (demo)
1997 - Nur ein See (split with Dark Embrace)
1997 - Hünengrab im Herbst
1999 - Srontgorrth
2000 - Garzweiler II (EP, only 1 copy exists)
2000 - Moment der Hysterie (split with Bluttaufe)
2001 - Virus West
2003 - Ragnarok (EP, 10 copies exist)
2017 - Alte Welten (compilation of unreleased/rare material)
Hünengrab im Herbst
Nagelfar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Auf den verborgenen Pfaden der Ahnen
Wohin führt er uns?
Seine Abzweigungen?
Wo endet dieser Fluss ohne Ufer, ein uferloser Fluss?
Schau' in den Spiegel und blicke hinter diese bloße Projektion!
Finde die ewigen Werte und entdecke ihren Kreislauf!
Folgt dieser für Euch hinterlassenen,
einer Fährte, verschwommen und doch klar in sich selbst.
Findet Euch in dem Erfahrenen!
Erwache aus dem erzwungenen Traum
das Vergessen drängt unser Handeln
auf diesem uns vertrauten Boden
Mondfeuer - Ein Kreuz muss brennen
The lyrics to "Hünengrab im Herbst" by Nagelfar touch on themes of ancestral heritage, personal discovery, and finding meaning in one's existence. The first lines speak of a search for worth, direction, and companionship, all while travelling the hidden paths of our forefathers. The questions posed here are grand and philosophical, as the song seems to declare that we are not simply physical beings walking aimlessly through life, but rather spiritual entities on a journey of self-discovery.
The next lines speak of a river without an edge, as if alluding to the vastness and complexity of the human experience. The mirror mentioned in the song might be interpreted as a tool for introspection, inviting the listener to look deeper into their own psyche and find the lasting values and principles that lie within. The reference to the "circle" hints at the cyclical nature of life, both on a personal and a broader historical level.
In the final lines, the song urges us to wake up from our forced complacency, to remember and honor the past, and to find our place in the world. The mention of "Mondfeuer" (moonfire) and a burning cross might evoke religious, spiritual, or ideological symbols and suggest challenging the status quo or rebelling against oppressive systems. Ultimately, "Hünengrab im Herbst" seems like an existential call-to-arms, encouraging us to look beyond the surface and find meaning in our lives and the legacy of those who came before us.
Line by Line Meaning
Wertensuche - Fährtensuche - Gefährtensuche
We search for our values, tracks to follow, and companions on the hidden paths of our ancestors.
Auf den verborgenen Pfaden der Ahnen
We wander on the hidden paths of our ancestors.
Wohin führt er uns?
Where do these paths lead us?
Seine Abzweigungen?
What are the diverging paths we may encounter?
Wo endet dieser Fluss ohne Ufer, ein uferloser Fluss?
Where does this shoreless, boundaryless river flow to?
Schau' in den Spiegel und blicke hinter diese bloße Projektion!
Look in the mirror and see beyond your mere reflection!
Finde die ewigen Werte und entdecke ihren Kreislauf!
Discover the eternal values and learn their cycles!
Folgt dieser für Euch hinterlassenen, fast verschwundenen Spur, einer Fährte, verschwommen und doch klar in sich selbst.
Follow the nearly vanished tracks left for you, a trail dim but distinct in itself.
Findet Euch in dem Erfahrenen!
Find yourselves in the experienced ones!
Erwache aus dem erzwungenen Traum das Vergessen drängt unser Handeln auf diesem uns vertrauten Boden
Wake up from the forced dream since forgetting urges our actions on this familiar ground.
Mondfeuer - Ein Kreuz muss brennen
Moonfire - A cross must burn.
Contributed by London J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Heavy Metal Weatherman
I have to admit I was late to the game finding this band. I found Ruins of Beverast first, and worked my way back. Glad I did. This is fantastic stuff.
Schlusenbach
Better late to to something that stays in your soul forver, than being on the wrong gig at the right time! :-)
The good stuff will survive and the stupid shit will be forgotten forever.
DuckbillAttack
To be honest, I didn't witness the release of this album, I'm way too young for this. I don't feel any nostalgia for it unlike others here in the comment section. I've found it when I've gotten deeper into underground BM. But it's still one of the most beautiful Black Metal albums I've ever had the honor to enjoy. Everything on it is perfect, the lyrics, the sound, just everything. Even the clean vocals that some people complain about. This one will always have a special place in my music collection.
djrbdbdndjwjk
i found it in a youtube playlist
djrbdbdndjwjk
@Schlusenbach i feel nostalgia the first time i listen to it. It is like i have listened to it before.
Schlusenbach
The world needs more people like you! More people who take the time to appreciate good art! This is rare and precious. \m/
I was born in 1977 and this masterpiece along with Mithotyn - King of the Distant Forest made who I am as a musician.
Rex Factorem
This album makes me so nostalgic. It's a great album and deserves a lot more attention.
olga olga
What i have realized all these years is that you really can stop smoking....much more easier than stop listening this...undescribable music..its pure love.
Peter Kürten
Nostalgia, 20 years ago... One of the best BM Releases ever made. Great sound from Andy Classen at Stage 1.Loud and clear. Unfortunately most of new releases do not sound as brutal as this masterpiece. Simply intense!
Der Wind, er weint,
verlorene Tränen,
der Fluss, er droht,
das Gelände zu schwämmen!
Dem ewigen Leben ein Ende gesetzt,
wird die Horde gegen die Schöpfung gehetzt!
Deathman
Just listened Nagelfar for the first time, and what a band, what a great music they make. So glad I discovered them