UMUR
"Til Kongens Grav De Døde Vandrer" ("The Dead wander to the King´s Grave") is the 3rd demo cassette tape by Norwegian black metal act Manes. The demo has been re- released on LP in 2006 by Faceless.Nameless.Shapeless in a limited quantity including a poster. The tracks from "Til Kongens Grav De Døde Vandrer" are also included on the "Svarte Skoger" (Black Forests") compilation album from 2006.
Sargatanas and Cernunnus who recorded the two first demos by the band are also the two only members on "Til Kongens Grav De Døde Vandrer". The former handling the vocals while the latter plays all instruments. Two songs from the demo would make it unto the debut album "Under Ein Blodraud Maane (1999)" by Manes. "Min Trone Står Til Evig Tid" ("My Throne Stands Forever") and "Til Kongens Grav De Døde Vandrer".
There´s a slight improvement in sound quality compared to the sound quality on the two previous demos by Manes but the production is still lo-fi and muddy.
"Til Kongens Grav De Døde Vandrer" is the last demo by Manes before they recorded their debut album but considering the quality of these recordings I think it was wise for Manes to wait four years before recording "Under Ein Blodraud Maane". Some blood, sweat and tears needed to be shed and there´s was probably a bit of practising needed to be done too. This one is another collector´s item for sure. A 1 star (20%) rating is warranted.