Viking Metal Icons SKÁLMÖLD Unleash Their Infectious Title Track, “Ýdalir”

SKÁLMÖLD unleash a new killer track, just in time for the release of their upcoming album, Ýdalir, out this Friday, August 18, 2023 via Napalm Records.

A galloping rhythm and melodic riffs dominate the title track while a fight of growls and screams represent the darkness of Níðhöggur, threatening to destroy the tranquil existence. 

ABOUT SKÁLMÖLD

After reigning in the metal scene for almost 15 years, Viking metal giants SKÁLMÖLD will unveil their highly anticipated sixth studio album Ýdalir. The album will release on August 18, 2023 via Napalm Records.

With their first record in five years, the Icelandic six-piece are bound to exceed all expectations. Inspired by several Icelandic sagas and Norse mythology, such as the poem Grímnismál.

ABOUT THE ALBUM

Starting off with soothing opener “Ýr“, gentle acoustic guitar and organs are the calm before the storm. Catapulted to a dwelling owned by the god Ullur, the unsettled “Ýdalir“ builds with its hypnotizing guitar rhythms and galloping drum sounds. Building a solid ground for ominous and dark growls. Carried by a breathtaking guitar solo, strident growls alternate with clean vocals, delivering the message of “Ratatoskur”.

Followed by chant-like song “Verðandi“SKÁLMÖLD present an unforgettable track, with catchy guitar and oboe-driven details! While the first half of the track is dominated by the heaviest of folk and death metal elements, strong vibrations of growls subside with the sound of the ocean and fragile organ melodies.

Based on Norse mythology, the sister “Skuld” makes up a trio of Norns, responsible for deciding the fate of people. Remarkable clean tenor vocals guide through the mystic mood, breaking up the heavy horizon with a fast-paced guitar solo and underlined by eerie bass lines.

Closing the album, the stunning ten-minute track “Ullur” invites the listener into a colorful journey of melodic folk metal. Accompanied by roaring fire, the lyrics conform to some of the Old Norse poetic forms and create a magnificent interaction of oboe and keyboard elements. The catchy guitar riff rises dramatically with the more eerie-like harmonies, providing a cinematic, epic ending.

With ÝdalirSKÁLMÖLD showcases a blend of both ancient and modernized cultural heritage, and connects precious sagas with thrilling black metal elements while folk metal melodies give them an enigmatic touch.

Track Listing Ýdalir:

1    Ýr
2    Ýdalir
3    Urður
4    Ratatoskur
5    Verðandi
6    Veðurfölnir
7    Skuld
8    Níðhöggur
9    Ullur

SKÁLMÖLD

SKÁLMÖLD are:
Baldur Ragnarsson – Guitar, vocals
Björgvin Sigurðsson – Vocals, guitar
Gunnar Ben – Keyboard, vocals, oboe
Jón Geir Jóhannsson – Drums, vocals
Snæbjörn Ragnarsson – Bass, vocals
Þráinn Árni Baldvinsson – Lead guitar, vocals

You Might Want To Read… SOULIDIUM reunites to bring you their first new single “Phantom in the Wire”