November 27, 2019

Episode 45 – A Means to an End: The Manes Discography

For the 45th episode of Radical Research, we continue our trek north, this time landing in Trondheim, Norway, where we take a close look at the vast and fascinating discography of Manes. Well-respected in black metal circles for their personal and visionary approach to the genre, Manes has spent the last 16 years working through a difficult-to-pigeonhole brew of dark, atmospheric rock and electronic music. Our conversation addresses the band's sprawling body of work, from 1993's ghostly Maanens Natt demo to 2018's stunning Slow Motion Death Sequence. Manes says that "Nobody Wants the Truth," but you're going to get it regardless. Can you handle the truth? Be there or be cool.

Note I:

As noted in the episode, Manes has a fascination with the end, an ever-present promise of the final nothing. To that end, we unveil the evidence:

“Endetidstegn” (English translation: “End Time Signs”; song on Slow Motion Death Sequence)

Be All End All (2014 album)

How the World Came to An End (2007 album)

these songs from 2003 album, Vilosophe: “Nodamnbrakes (One Zero / Endpoint),” “Terminus a Quo / Terminus ad Quem,” “Ende”

Note II:

We don’t talk overmuch about record labels. We prefer the music to be front and center while the boringness of business and politics hums away in the background. But for the record, as it regards Manes, these companies have brought Manes music to interested enthusiasts: Debemur Morti; Candlelight; Aural Music; Code666; Hammerheart; Kyrck

Note III:

We don’t mention it in this episode, but Manii did release a second album, 2018’s Sinnets Irrganger.

Note IV:

We had a little fun at our good friend Marty Rytkonen’s expense. He is one hell of a man and actually more open-minded than you know. Visit his Bindrune record label site, all you woodland denizens: https://bindrunerecordings.com/

Note V:

BUY MANES MUSIC. There is no excuse for possessing and listening to someone else’s music for absolutely nothing (which includes most streaming services that pay artists a pathetic pittance, at best). Manes is not a charity organization. Buy Link on Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/artist/263927-Manes

Note VI:

Please consider donating if you listen to Radical Research often: https://www.paypal.me/rrpodcast

Music cited, in order of appearance:

“Building the Ship of Theseus” (Slow Motion Death Sequence, 2018)

“Night Vision” (Slow Motion Death Sequence, 2018)

“Blanket of Ashes” (Be All End All, 2014)

“Name the Serpent” (Be All End All, 2014)

“I Watch You Fall” (How the World Came to An End, 2007)

“My Journal of the Plague Years (Fuckmensch Warmensch)” (How the World Came to An End, 2007)

“The Neoflagellata Revision” (View EP, 2006)

“Nodamnbrakes (One Zero / Endpoint) ” (Vilosophe, 2003)

“Diving With Your Hands Bound (Nearly Flying)” (Vilosophe, 2003)

“Ende” (Vilosophe, 2003)

“Uten Liv Ligger Landet Øde” (Under Ein Blodraud Maane, 1999)

“Til Kongens Grav De Døde Vandrer” (Under Ein Blodraud Maane, 1999)

"I Helvetes Haller” (Til Kongens Grav De Døde Vandrer, 1995 demo)

“Dansen Gjennom Skuggeheimen” (Ned I Stillheten, 1994 demo)

“De Mørke Makters Dyp” (Maanens Natt, 1993 demo)

[intro and outro moments from, respectively, “Nodamnbrakes” and “Confluence,” both from Vilosophe]

Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats

...more