Jump to content

Manes (band)

From Alfawiki
Manes
Company typeMusical group
IndustryMusic
Founded1993
Headquarters
Trondheim
,
Norway
ProductsMusic albums, EPs, singles

Manes is a musical group originating from Trondheim, Norway, established in 1993 by founding members Sargatanas and Cernunnus (also known as Cern). Over the years, they have been affiliated with labels such as Candlelight Records, Hammerheart Records, and the Italian avant-garde label Code666. Their initial output, including the 1999 album Under Ein Blodraud Maane, presented an unconventional take on Norwegian black metal that was well-regarded within the genre’s community. Nevertheless, with subsequent releases like Vilosophe (2003) and How the World Came to an End (2007), the band transitioned towards a fusion of jazz, trip hop, electronica, and metal, integrating clean vocal styles and progressive influences. This artistic shift garnered critical praise but distanced a significant portion of their early followers.

In 2011, Manes announced a pause in activity due to personal health and family concerns. Two years later, after signing with Debemur Morti Productions, they made a comeback with their fourth studio album, Be All End All, released in 2014. This period also saw the reissue of their debut LP and the release of a compilation entitled Teeth, Toes and other trinkets, featuring rare tracks. The band resurfaced again in 2018 with the release of the experimental record Slow Motion Death Sequence.

Under Ein Blodraud Maane: 1992–1999

Cernunnus initiated Manes in 1992 as a side venture alongside his involvement with Atrox. After experimenting with various members, the project solidified into a duo consisting of Sargatanas on vocals and Cernunnus managing all other instrumentation. Early demos included Maanens Natt (1993), Ned i Stillheten (1994), and Til Kongens Grav de Døde Vandrer (1995). Their first full-length album, Under Ein Blodraud Maane, was released through the Dutch label Hammerheart Records. Following this debut, Cernunnus took an extended hiatus from musical activities.

Vilosophe to How the World Came to an End: 2002–2011

In 2002, Manes returned with a revamped lineup, altered sound, and refreshed image. Their sophomore album, Vilosophe, launched in 2003 under Italy’s Code666—a subsidiary of Aural Music—marked a surprising stylistic departure for their existing audience. The band performed at prominent events such as Inferno Metal Festival (2004), Hole in the Sky, Southern Discomfort, and Quart Festival, sharing stages with acts like Isis, Katatonia, Red Harvest, and Theatre of Tragedy while fulfilling their contractual obligations with Aural Music.

The 2006 EP [view] served as an intermediary release between albums. Drummer Rune Hoemsnes temporarily departed but completed recording sessions for the forthcoming album; Tor-Arne Helgesen then joined for touring duties and subsequent recordings. In 2007, Manes released the online EP Deprooted along with their third album How the World Came to an End through British label Candlelight Records. This record expanded upon the experimental directions introduced on Vilosophe, emphasizing Manes as a collaborative collective featuring guest musicians. Simultaneously, work commenced on what would become Be All End All, eventually issued in 2014.

How the World Came to an End attracted favorable critiques and heightened visibility despite no live performances following its release. Subsequently, the band entered a period of inactivity during which they released fifteen web albums in 2011, including titles such as Overheated, Deep North, and Roman Shower.

From Be All End All to Slow Motion Death Sequence: 2013–Present

Following a break prompted by health issues, family obligations, and members’ involvement in other endeavors, Manes reemerged in spring 2013 with revitalized artistic drive. That summer, they debuted the song "Blanket of Ashes" online and revealed plans for their upcoming album Be All End All, alongside a collection of rare tracks titled Teeth, Toes and other trinkets. Both projects were issued through the French label Debemur Morti. Beginning in November 2015, the band commenced work on their fifth studio release. By early 2018, Manes unveiled the album Slow Motion Death Sequence, sparking excitement among their audience.

Current lineup

  • Tor-Helge Skei – guitar, keyboard, programming, electronics (1993–1999, 2002–2011, 2013–present)
  • Eivind Fjøseide – guitar (2002–2011, 2013–present), synthesizer (2018, 2023–present)
  • Torstein Parelius – bass guitar (2002–2011, 2013–present)
  • Rune Hoemsnes – drums, percussion (2002–2006, 2013–present), backing vocals, synthesizer (2018)
  • Asgeir Hatlen – vocals (2002–2007, 2016–2019, 2020–2023, 2024–present)

Past members

  • Sargatanas – vocals (1993–1999)
  • Tommy Sebastian Halseth – vocals (2002–2003)
  • Emil Sporsheim – vocals (2005–2006)
  • Tor-Arne Helgesen – drums (2006–2011)
  • Marita Hellem – vocals (2023–2024)

Touring members

  • Emil Sporsheim – lead vocals (2004–2007)
  • Tommy Sebastian Halseth – backing vocals (2004–2007)
  • Tom Engelsøy – vocals (2014–2016)
  • Rune Folgerø – vocals (2015–2016)

Guest contributors and close collaborators

  • Asgeir Hatlen – vocals (2014, 2020)
  • Rune Folgerø – vocals (2014, 2018)
  • Tom Engelsøy – vocals (2018, 2020)
  • Ana Carolina Skaret – vocals (2018, 2020)
  • Anna Murphy – vocals (2018, 2020)
  • Tor Arne Helgesen – drums (2018)

Studio albums

Demos and EPs

  • Maanens Natt (1993)
  • Ned i Stillheten (1994)
  • Til Kongens Grav de Døde Vandrer (1995)
  • [view] (2006)
  • Reinvention - remix collection (2008)
  • Pro-Gnosis-Diabolis 1993 / Solve Et Coagula - split release with other Manes projects (2009)
  • Solve et Coagula (2009)
  • Vntrve (2014)

Singles

  • Deeprooted (2007)
  • Young Skeleton (2020)
  • Submerged (2024)
  • Submerged / Fallen (2024)
  • Endetidstegn (Jørgen Meyer Remix) (2024)
  • Scion (Throes Of Dawn Remix) (2024)

Compilation albums

  • 1993-1994 (2005)
  • Svarte Skoger (2006)
  • How The World... - Preprod #1 (2009)
  • New Stuff #1 (2010)
  • A series of compilations (#418 to #403), released in 2011
  • A reissue: Be All End All v0.0.1 [Beta Beta]’’ (2011)
  • Teeth, Toes and other Trinkets (2014)
  • Ihjelbrent Skatt (2022)
  • Saeculum II (Vilosophe Remnants)’’ (2023)
  • Slow Motion Death Sequence Remixed’’ (2024)
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Manes_(band)&oldid=85634"