Demo 98/99 is a demo from the Norwegian symphonicunblack metal band Vaakevandring, released in 1999 through Nordic Mission, a label co-founded by Vaakevandring member Pål Dæhlen.[1]Demo 98/99 was produced by Stian Aarstad, a former keyboardist from the symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir.[2] Aaarstad also contributed vocals to the track "Fader Vaar".[1] The band titled the recording as it did to ensure that listeners would not expect a studio quality album.[3] The style of the album was described as symphonic and melodic black metal influenced by Norwegian folk music.[2][3][4][5] The output was considered comparable to that of Sanctifica, Crimson Moonlight, and Dimmu Borgir.[1][3][4][6] Though only a demo recording, the release was very well received and propelled the band into popularity.[7]HM writer Matt Morrow rated the album 9.5 out of 10,[3] and writer Johannes Jonsson gave the album 3 out of 5.[4] The songs from the demo were later re-mastered and re-released with an additional song — "To Find Eternal Peace" — in 2004 as an extended play entitled Vaakevandring, through the label Momentum Scandinavia.[3][8]
