Skald Orlog

Welcome to a time long past yet not forgotten: with *Ørlog*, SKÁLD breathe new life into ancient spirits. Set for release on September 25, 2026, the album is not only the band's first work with Napalm Records but also an expression of destiny itself. Much like the Norns weaving the future, the album serves as a fascinating gateway to our untainted origins and the consequences of our choices. With ten new songs acting as stepping stones, *Ørlog* is an invitation to listen, linger, and reflect--and to discover something within ourselves that had previously gone unrecognized. SKÁLD do not merely make music; they awaken ancient melodies.

The atmospheric journey toward taking one's life into one's own hands begins in the dream realm of "Draumakona," an evocative look at the feminine side of shamanic prophecy. Here, the French band crafts Nordic folk melodies that are remarkably catchy, using the interplay between female lead vocals and layered vocal arrangements to capture the tension between the individual and the community. Inspired by skaldic poetry, SKÁLD employ period-appropriate instrumentation: *Ørlog* takes shape through Nordic string instruments, various harps and lutes, horns, kanteles, flutes, and other instruments, all anchored by three lead vocalists. "Myrkviðr" picks up the compelling energy of the opening track but shifts the focus to male vocals. "Ratatoskr" carries the message forward, driven by clattering sounds and throat singing that dissolve into the haunting repetition of the name of the titular squirrel. For "Dokksalir," SKÁLD loosen up their melodies, crafting a gentle song almost as bewitching as a lullaby--fittingly reflecting the concept of the sirens, at once alluring and terrifying, that lurk in the darkness. "Útgarðr" contrasts different vocal lines by having passages sung in an overlapping manner with shifting focal points, building to a spine-tingling climax--immediately followed by the contrasting "Ek skald rida," which, despite employing a similar technique, stands as the album's quietest track. "Himinbjorg" reaches toward the edge of Asgard, where Heimdall guards the rainbow bridge, Bifröst. SKÁLD endow him with a commanding voice, allowing the track to serve as a forceful yet encouraging guide toward a destiny often shrouded in mist. "Heiemo og Nykkjen"--an interpretation of a traditional folk tune from modern-day Norway--adopts a more restrained approach in both instrumentation and vocal delivery, while "Veit barnit" not only draws thematically on the wisdom of children but also incorporates their voices into the harmonies. The somber finale, "Eldr ok iss" (Old Norse for "Fire and Ice"), once again plays with contrasts, referencing the creation myth in which the primordial being Ymir emerged at the dawn of time from the collision of the fiery realm of Muspelheim and the icy Niflheim. SKÁLD skillfully build a compelling arc of tension, creating a suitably dark atmosphere.

Long-established pioneers of the neofolk genre, SKÁLD present an impressive work of art with their latest album. A respectful approach to the source material keeps ancient spirits alive and shapes the enchanting world of *Ørlog*. The language may sound unfamiliar, but the music touches the soul.

Source: Napalm Records Website