Photo by: Romy Lena
Official press release:
Ancient spirits come alive as SKÁLD extend an invitation into times long gone but not forgotten. Ørlǫg, coming September 25, is the French band’s first album via Austrian label juggernaut Napalm Records, and it is our destiny. As the Norns weave our future, this album is a fascinating passageway into our pristine origins and the consequences of our choices. Inspired by Skaldic poetry, SKÁLD use instruments fitting of the time: Ørlǫg is shaped by Nordic fiddles, different forms of harps and lyres, horns, kannels, and whistles, among others, as well as three lead vocalists to bring the arrangements to life. 10 new songs as stepping stones, Ørlǫg is an offering to listen, to dwell, to reflect—and to find something within yourself previously unknown. SKÁLD don’t just play music, they awaken ancient ways.
SKÁLD issued the following about the signing:
“Signing with Napalm Records is a really exciting step, the band has never been so united and this strong partnership with the label makes us even stronger. It was undoubtedly meant to be, and Ørlǫg is the perfect album to make it happen. We can’t wait to see where this shared vision takes us.”
Napalm Records Senior A&R Sebastian Münch about the signing:
“SKÁLD have a remarkable way of bringing Nordic folklore and mythology to life through their music. Their new album, Ørlǫg, is a fantastic release that both longtime fans and those discovering the band for the first time are sure to enjoy. I’m thrilled to be working with SKÁLD and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together with Napalm Records.”
Along with the album announcement comes the first single: “Draumakona” opens up the atmospheric journey into Ørlǫg with an expressive look at the female side of shamanic prophecy. Lyrically focusing on dreamscapes, the French band constructs their Nordic folk melodies to be particularly catchy to pull listeners right into their world, shifting powerfully between female lead singing and multilayered vocal arrangements to create an antiphony between individuum and community.
Speaking about “Draumakona”, SKÁLD offered:
“‘Draumakona’ explores the unique role women play in divination and shamanic vision; the Norns, who weave the destinies of gods and mortals, support this perspective. Everyone wants to know what their future holds and may wait for it to be revealed to them, but to truly know, one must confront oneself, travel far and wide, not fear the different worlds, and listen to one’s dreams.”
A staple band in the genre, SKÁLD deliver a striking work of art with their latest album, deferentially using their sources to keep old spirits alive and form the enchanting world of Ørlǫg. The language might sound unfamiliar, but the music still touches the soul.
About Ørlǫg SKÁLD issued the following statement:
“Ørlǫg is the cosmic web that influences the world and every person. Part of our Ørlǫg is determined by our birth, our past actions, and our upbringing, but Ørlǫg is not set in stone; our daily choices are constantly shaping it. What we do now and what we have done in the past determines what will happen to us in the future; we cannot escape the consequences of our actions. This album makes us question our choices—both individual and collective—and the patterns we accept or reject. The Norns weave our destiny, but we can take control of certain things: travel, ride worlds, and grow. Each song on this album describes a situation, a place, a choice to be made. Let’s take hold of our Ørlǫg.”
Get your copy of Ørlǫg NOW!
Ørlǫg track listing:
- “Draumakona”
- “Myrkviðr”
- “Ratatoskr”
- “Dǫkksalir”
- “Útgarðr”
- “Ek skald rida”
- “Himinbjǫrg”
- “Heiemo og Nykkjen”
- “Veit barnit”
- “Eldr ok iss”
