"Ydalir" LP by Skalmöld

Comes on black double LP in a gatefold cover.

'With Ýdalir, the Viking metal giants SKÁLMÖD are looking forward to the release of their sixth studio album, which will be released on August 18, 2023. Their first studio album in five years is inspired by the Nordic poem Grímnismál, a famous saga from their homeland of Iceland. The band not only captivates fans at festival performances such as Wacken Open Air, but is also supported by the Icelandic president Guðni Th. Jóhannesson and is even immortalized in the foreword of their official book, The Saga Of Skálmöld (2021).

Like the calm before the storm, the album opener 'Ýr' lulls listeners into a sense of security with gentle acoustic melodies before transitioning into the fierce 'Ýdalir'. Hypnotizing guitar rhythms, along with thundering drums, create a solid foundation while growls make the ground shake. Set to an excellent guitar solo, 'Ratatoskur' features a duel between piercing growls and clean vocals. On the catchy track 'Verðandi,' listeners are immediately invited to sing along. Compelling folk and death metal elements support the dominating oboe melody, which serves as a common thread throughout the entire song before getting lost in organ arrangements and the sound of the sea. Based on Norse mythology, 'Skuld' addresses the sisterhood of the Norns trio, who determine the fate of humans, which SKÁLMÖD illustrates with dark bass and guitar melodies. The album concludes with the diverse piece 'Ullur,' taking the listener on a ten-minute mystical journey accompanied by catchy Old Norse verses and underscored by the interplay of oboe and keyboard arrangements. With Ýdalir, the Viking metal institution SKÁLMÖLD once again delivers mystical moments on their new album, which they will showcase at this year's festival performances such as Wacken or Summer Breeze.'