Eight years after “Innhøstinga”, Norwegian melodic black metal veterans ISKALD return with “Curse of the Mind”, their sixth full-length and first concept album, now presented in full through a premiere hosted by Black Metal Promotion.

Released on September 25 via Dusktone, the record unfolds as a continuous descent through four interconnected chapters, each centred on a different stage of an increasingly troubled inner journey. Set against a stark vision of Helheim drawn from Norse mythology, the album uses this otherworldly setting to explore isolation, doubt, psychological collapse, fragile hope and sacrifice.

Musically, ISKALD retain the melodic backbone that has defined their work while giving the songs greater breadth, allowing forceful passages to coexist with colder, more expansive sections. The result is a record conceived as a complete narrative rather than a collection of unrelated tracks, with each movement leading naturally into the next.

Stream “Curse of the Mind” at THIS LOCATION.

Preorders:
https://dusktone.bandcamp.com/album/curse-of-the-mind
https://www.dusktone.org/

Following the acclaimed “Innhøstinga” (2018), the new album marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band after signing with Dusktone in early 2026. Available on colored LP, black LP, CD Box and CD, “Curse of the Mind” was recorded during the summer of 2025 at Strand Studio in Beiarn, mixed and mastered by Hallstein Sandvin, and features artwork by SG7 Graphics.

For over two decades, ISKALD have stood among the leading names in Norwegian melodic black metal. Now performing as a five-piece, the band expands its trademark northern sound with its most ambitious and immersive work to date.

Built as a conceptual journey, “Curse of the Mind” unfolds through four interconnected chapters linked by ritualistic invocations, exploring themes of psychological torment, inner conflict, fragile hope and ultimate sacrifice. Framed within a stark, Norse-inspired vision of Helheim, the story is mythological in setting but deeply psychological at its core. Helheim is not merely a place, it is the shape taken by inner darkness. The true battlefield is the mind itself.

The album unfolds in four movements, connected by four ritual Invocations:

I. The Other Realm – The Descent
Vast emptiness, fog and isolation.

II. Manifestation of Madness – The Prison
Doubt, fragmentation and psychological collapse.

III. A Burden of Hope – The Fragile Light
Strength found through accepting the darkness within.

IV. The Sacrifice – The Ritual
Before the throne of Hela, suffering becomes meaningful.

Tracklist:

1. Curse of the Mind – Invocation I
2. The Other Realm
3. Curse of the Mind – Invocation II
4. Manifestation of Madness
5. Curse of the Mind – Invocation III
6. A Burden of Hope
7. Curse of the Mind – Final Invocation
8. The Sacrifice

Upcoming ISKALD concerts:

Bodø/Sinus: 03.10.2026
Oslo/Vaterland: 24.10.2026
Trondheim/(TBA): 29.01.2027

ISKALD were formed in 2005 in Sortland, Northern Norway, by Simon Larsen and Aage Krekling, with the ambition of creating a distinctive form of melodic black metal deeply connected to the atmosphere of the Arctic north. After the self-released “Northern Twilight” EP, the band gained international attention with their debut album “Shades of Misery” (2007), establishing themselves as one of the most promising acts in the Norwegian scene.

Throughout their career, ISKALD have developed a sound where cold melodies, aggression and atmospheric depth coexist, drawing inspiration from nature, Norse heritage and existential themes. Their discography includes acclaimed albums such as “Revelations of Reckoning Day” (2008), “The Sun I Carried Alone” (2011), “Nedom og Nord” (2014) and “Innhøstinga” (2018), each marking a further evolution of their artistic vision.

Having performed at festivals including Inferno Festival, Midgardsblot, Hove Festival and by:Larm, and shared stages with major names in extreme metal, ISKALD now enter a new phase with Dusktone. The partnership leads to the release of “Curse of the Mind”, their sixth full-length album and first concept record, arriving in 2026.

Line-up:

Aage Krekling – Vocals
Simon Larsen – Guitars
Ben Hansen – Guitars
Isak Larsen – Drums
Tobias Aubert – Bass

https://iskaldofficial.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/iskaldofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/iskaldofficial

Norwegian melodic black metal veterans ISKALD have finally released “The Other Realm”, the first and only single from their highly anticipated sixth full-length album, “Curse of the Mind”, due out on September 25th, 2026 via Dusktone.

After two teasers offering fragmented glimpses into the record, “The Other Realm” opens the door to the album’s first chapter in full. Vast, cold and deeply atmospheric, the track combines ISKALD‘s characteristic melodic black metal with a more imposing and immersive approach, moving between driving passages and expansive sections where melody and atmosphere take centre stage. It is the first complete piece from “Curse of the Mind” and provides a decisive introduction to the psychological descent at the heart of the album.

Stream “The Other Realm” at THIS LOCATION.

Frontman Aage Krekling comments:

“With ‘The Other Realm’ we finally open the gate.
After two teasers that were meant as invocations – fragments from across the whole album – it felt right that the first complete song should be the beginning of the story itself. ‘The Other Realm’ is Chapter I, The Descent. It is that moment of realization when you understand you are already in Helheim. Not dead, but empty. The vastness, the cold, the isolation – that stark, Norse-inspired landscape is not fantasy for us, it is the shape taken by inner darkness.
Musically it contains everything ‘Curse of the Mind’ is about – fast and brutal yet melancholy and atmosphere with dynamic that breathes, built by this five-piece line-up for the first time. ‘The Other Realm’ It’s an opening assault that drags you straight into the new unknown – where blasting intensity collides with fragile, mournful melody. If the teasers were the doorway, this is the first step into the void. The rest should be experienced as one piece.”

Preorders:
https://dusktone.bandcamp.com/album/curse-of-the-mind
https://www.dusktone.org/

Following the acclaimed “Innhøstinga” (2018), the new album marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band after signing with Dusktone in early 2026. Available on colored LP, black LP, CD Box and CD, “Curse of the Mind” was recorded during the summer of 2025 at Strand Studio in Beiarn, mixed and mastered by Hallstein Sandvin, and features artwork by SG7 Graphics.

For over two decades, ISKALD have stood among the leading names in Norwegian melodic black metal. Now performing as a five-piece, the band expands its trademark northern sound with its most ambitious and immersive work to date.

Built as a conceptual journey, “Curse of the Mind” unfolds through four interconnected chapters linked by ritualistic invocations, exploring themes of psychological torment, inner conflict, fragile hope and ultimate sacrifice. Framed within a stark, Norse-inspired vision of Helheim, the story is mythological in setting but deeply psychological at its core. Helheim is not merely a place, it is the shape taken by inner darkness. The true battlefield is the mind itself.

The album unfolds in four movements, connected by four ritual Invocations:

I. The Other Realm – The Descent
Vast emptiness, fog and isolation.

II. Manifestation of Madness – The Prison
Doubt, fragmentation and psychological collapse.

III. A Burden of Hope – The Fragile Light
Strength found through accepting the darkness within.

IV. The Sacrifice – The Ritual
Before the throne of Hela, suffering becomes meaningful.

Tracklist:

1. Curse of the Mind – Invocation I
2. The Other Realm
3. Curse of the Mind – Invocation II
4. Manifestation of Madness
5. Curse of the Mind – Invocation III
6. A Burden of Hope
7. Curse of the Mind – Final Invocation
8. The Sacrifice

Upcoming ISKALD concerts:

Bodø/Sinus: 03.10.2026
Oslo/Vaterland: 24.10.2026
Trondheim/(TBA): 29.01.2027

Line-up:

Aage Krekling – Vocals
Simon Larsen – Guitars
Ben Hansen – Guitars
Isak Larsen – Drums
Tobias Aubert – Bass

ISKALD were formed in 2005 in Sortland, Northern Norway, by Simon Larsen and Aage Krekling, with the ambition of creating a distinctive form of melodic black metal deeply connected to the atmosphere of the Arctic north. After the self-released “Northern Twilight” EP, the band gained international attention with their debut album “Shades of Misery” (2007), establishing themselves as one of the most promising acts in the Norwegian scene.

Throughout their career, ISKALD have developed a sound where cold melodies, aggression and atmospheric depth coexist, drawing inspiration from nature, Norse heritage and existential themes. Their discography includes acclaimed albums such as “Revelations of Reckoning Day” (2008), “The Sun I Carried Alone” (2011), “Nedom og Nord” (2014) and “Innhøstinga” (2018), each marking a further evolution of their artistic vision.

Having performed at festivals including Inferno Festival, Midgardsblot, Hove Festival and by:Larm, and shared stages with major names in extreme metal, ISKALD now enter a new phase with Dusktone. The partnership leads to the release of “Curse of the Mind”, their sixth full-length album and first concept record, arriving in 2026.

https://iskaldofficial.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/iskaldofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/iskaldofficial

Norwegian melodic black metal veterans ISKALD have unveiled the second official teaser for their upcoming sixth full-length album, “Curse of the Mind”, due out on September 25th via Dusktone. Following the first preview, this new teaser offers another glimpse into the album’s dark and expansive atmosphere, bringing together further excerpts from across the record. Rather than revealing a single composition in isolation, the teaser highlights the different shades that shape “Curse of the Mind”, from its melodic black metal foundations to its more imposing and atmospheric passages, offering a broader taste of what ISKALD have prepared for their return.

Listen to the new teaser:

Frontman Aage Krekling comments:

“For our second teaser we go deeper into the ritual. You will hear fragments from ‘Manifestation of Madness’, ‘A Burden of Hope’, ‘Curse of the Mind – Invocation II’, ‘The Sacrifice’ and ‘The Other Realm’.
Where the first invocation opened the door, this one pulls you into the prison itself – isolation turning into doubt and psychological collapse. Helheim is not a place, it is the inner darkness taking shape, and the mind is the true battlefield. This passage leads directly to our first and only single before the album release, ‘The Other Realm'”.

Preorders:
https://dusktone.bandcamp.com/album/curse-of-the-mind
https://www.dusktone.org/

Following the acclaimed “Innhøstinga” (2018), the new album marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band after signing with Dusktone in early 2026. Available on colored LP, black LP, CD Box and CD, “Curse of the Mind” was recorded during the summer of 2025 at Strand Studio in Beiarn, mixed and mastered by Hallstein Sandvin, and features artwork by SG7 Graphics.

For over two decades, ISKALD have stood among the leading names in Norwegian melodic black metal. Now performing as a five-piece, the band expands its trademark northern sound with its most ambitious and immersive work to date.

Built as a conceptual journey, “Curse of the Mind” unfolds through four interconnected chapters linked by ritualistic invocations, exploring themes of psychological torment, inner conflict, fragile hope and ultimate sacrifice. Framed within a stark, Norse-inspired vision of Helheim, the story is mythological in setting but deeply psychological at its core. Helheim is not merely a place, it is the shape taken by inner darkness. The true battlefield is the mind itself.

The album unfolds in four movements, connected by four ritual Invocations:

I. The Other Realm – The Descent
Vast emptiness, fog and isolation.

II. Manifestation of Madness – The Prison
Doubt, fragmentation and psychological collapse.

III. A Burden of Hope – The Fragile Light
Strength found through accepting the darkness within.

IV. The Sacrifice – The Ritual
Before the throne of Hela, suffering becomes meaningful.

Tracklist:

1. Curse of the Mind – Invocation I
2. The Other Realm
3. Curse of the Mind – Invocation II
4. Manifestation of Madness
5. Curse of the Mind – Invocation III
6. A Burden of Hope
7. Curse of the Mind – Final Invocation
8. The Sacrifice

Line-up:

Aage Krekling – Vocals
Simon Larsen – Guitars
Ben Hansen – Guitars
Isak Larsen – Drums
Tobias Aubert – Bass

Upcoming ISKALD concerts:

Bodø/Sinus: 03.10.2026
Oslo/Vaterland: 24.10.2026
Trondheim/(TBA): 29.01.2027

ISKALD were formed in 2005 in Sortland, Northern Norway, by Simon Larsen and Aage Krekling, with the ambition of creating a distinctive form of melodic black metal deeply connected to the atmosphere of the Arctic north. After the self-released “Northern Twilight” EP, the band gained international attention with their debut album “Shades of Misery” (2007), establishing themselves as one of the most promising acts in the Norwegian scene.

Throughout their career, ISKALD have developed a sound where cold melodies, aggression and atmospheric depth coexist, drawing inspiration from nature, Norse heritage and existential themes. Their discography includes acclaimed albums such as “Revelations of Reckoning Day” (2008), “The Sun I Carried Alone” (2011), “Nedom og Nord” (2014) and “Innhøstinga” (2018), each marking a further evolution of their artistic vision.

Having performed at festivals including Inferno Festival, Midgardsblot, Hove Festival and by:Larm, and shared stages with major names in extreme metal, ISKALD now enter a new phase with Dusktone. The partnership leads to the release of “Curse of the Mind”, their sixth full-length album and first concept record, arriving in 2026.

https://iskaldofficial.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/iskaldofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/iskaldofficial

Norwegian melodic black metal veterans ISKALD have unveiled the first official teaser for their upcoming sixth full-length album, “Curse of the Mind”, due out on September 25th via Dusktone. Rather than focusing on a single track, the teaser offers a carefully assembled preview featuring excerpts from several key moments across the record, providing listeners with a first glimpse into the album’s conceptual and musical scope.

Listen to the teaser here:

Frontman Aage Krekling comments:

“With this first teaser for ‘Curse of the Mind’ we deliberately chose not to reveal full songs yet. The album is built as a conceptual journey through four interconnected chapters linked by ritualistic invocations, and to pull songs out of context this early would break its coherence. We want the listener to experience the full album as one piece when the time comes.

This teaser is constructed as a passage through the entire journey. You will hear fragments from ‘The Other Realm’, ‘Manifestation of Madness’, ‘A Burden of Hope’, ‘The Sacrifice’, and the opening ritual ‘Curse of the Mind – Invocation I’. From the vast emptiness and isolation of The Descent, through the doubt and psychological collapse of The Prison, to the fragile light of hope and finally the ritual of sacrifice before Hela’s throne.

Framed within a stark, Norse-inspired vision of Helheim, the story is mythological in setting but deeply psychological at its core. Helheim is not merely a place, it is the shape taken by inner darkness, and the true battlefield is the mind itself. Consider this your first invocation into that world.”

Preorders:
https://dusktone.bandcamp.com/album/curse-of-the-mind
https://www.dusktone.org/

Following the acclaimed “Innhøstinga” (2018), the new album marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band after signing with Dusktone in early 2026. Available on colored LP, black LP, CD Box and CD, “Curse of the Mind” was recorded during the summer of 2025 at Strand Studio in Beiarn, mixed and mastered by Hallstein Sandvin, and features artwork by SG7 Graphics.

For over two decades, ISKALD have stood among the leading names in Norwegian melodic black metal. Now performing as a five-piece, the band expands its trademark northern sound with its most ambitious and immersive work to date.

Built as a conceptual journey, “Curse of the Mind” unfolds through four interconnected chapters linked by ritualistic invocations, exploring themes of psychological torment, inner conflict, fragile hope and ultimate sacrifice. Framed within a stark, Norse-inspired vision of Helheim, the story is mythological in setting but deeply psychological at its core. Helheim is not merely a place, it is the shape taken by inner darkness. The true battlefield is the mind itself.

The album unfolds in four movements, connected by four ritual Invocations:

I. The Other Realm – The Descent
Vast emptiness, fog and isolation.

II. Manifestation of Madness – The Prison
Doubt, fragmentation and psychological collapse.

III. A Burden of Hope – The Fragile Light
Strength found through accepting the darkness within.

IV. The Sacrifice – The Ritual
Before the throne of Hela, suffering becomes meaningful.

Tracklist:

1. Curse of the Mind – Invocation I
2. The Other Realm
3. Curse of the Mind – Invocation II
4. Manifestation of Madness
5. Curse of the Mind – Invocation III
6. A Burden of Hope
7. Curse of the Mind – Final Invocation
8. The Sacrifice

Line-up:

Aage Krekling – Vocals
Simon Larsen – Guitars
Ben Hansen – Guitars
Isak Larsen – Drums
Tobias Aubert – Bass

Upcoming ISKALD concerts:

Bodø/Sinus: 03.10.2026
Oslo/Vaterland: 24.10.2026
Trondheim/(TBA): 29.01.2027

Biography:

ISKALD were formed in 2005 in Sortland, Northern Norway, by Simon Larsen and Aage Krekling, with the ambition of creating a distinctive form of melodic black metal deeply connected to the atmosphere of the Arctic north. After the self-released “Northern Twilight” EP, the band gained international attention with their debut album “Shades of Misery” (2007), establishing themselves as one of the most promising acts in the Norwegian scene.

Throughout their career, ISKALD have developed a sound where cold melodies, aggression and atmospheric depth coexist, drawing inspiration from nature, Norse heritage and existential themes. Their discography includes acclaimed albums such as “Revelations of Reckoning Day” (2008), “The Sun I Carried Alone” (2011), “Nedom og Nord” (2014) and “Innhøstinga” (2018), each marking a further evolution of their artistic vision.

Having performed at festivals including Inferno Festival, Midgardsblot, Hove Festival and by:Larm, and shared stages with major names in extreme metal, ISKALD now enter a new phase with Dusktone. The partnership leads to the release of “Curse of the Mind”, their sixth full-length album and first concept record, arriving in 2026.

https://iskaldofficial.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/iskaldofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/iskaldofficial

Norwegian melodic black metal veterans ISKALD return with “Curse of the Mind”, their sixth full-length album and the band’s first-ever concept record, set for release on September 25th through Dusktone.

Following the acclaimed “Innhøstinga” (2018), the new album marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band after signing with Dusktone in early 2026. Available on colored LP, black LP, CD Box and CD, “Curse of the Mind” was recorded during the summer of 2025 at Strand Studio in Beiarn, mixed and mastered by Hallstein Sandvin, and features artwork by SG7 Graphics.

For over two decades, ISKALD have stood among the leading names in Norwegian melodic black metal. Now performing as a five-piece, the band expands its trademark northern sound with its most ambitious and immersive work to date.

Built as a conceptual journey, “Curse of the Mind” unfolds through four interconnected chapters linked by ritualistic invocations, exploring themes of psychological torment, inner conflict, fragile hope and ultimate sacrifice. Framed within a stark, Norse-inspired vision of Helheim, the story is mythological in setting but deeply psychological at its core. Helheim is not merely a place, it is the shape taken by inner darkness. The true battlefield is the mind itself.

The album unfolds in four movements, connected by four ritual Invocations:

I. The Other Realm – The Descent
Vast emptiness, fog and isolation.

II. Manifestation of Madness – The Prison
Doubt, fragmentation and psychological collapse.

III. A Burden of Hope – The Fragile Light
Strength found through accepting the darkness within.

IV. The Sacrifice – The Ritual
Before the throne of Hela, suffering becomes meaningful.

Tracklist:

1. Curse of the Mind – Invocation I
2. The Other Realm
3. Curse of the Mind – Invocation II
4. Manifestation of Madness
5. Curse of the Mind – Invocation III
6. A Burden of Hope
7. Curse of the Mind – Final Invocation
8. The Sacrifice

Line-up:

Aage Krekling – Vocals
Simon Larsen – Guitars
Ben Hansen – Guitars
Isak Larsen – Drums
Tobias Aubert – Bass

Pre-orders will be announced soon, together with the first audio preview from the album, offering listeners an initial glimpse into the dark and immersive world of “Curse of the Mind”.

Upcoming ISKALD concerts:

Bodø/Sinus: 03.10.2026
Oslo/Vaterland: 24.10.2026
Trondheim/(TBA): 29.01.2027

Biography:

ISKALD were formed in 2005 in Sortland, Northern Norway, by Simon Larsen and Aage Krekling, with the ambition of creating a distinctive form of melodic black metal deeply connected to the atmosphere of the Arctic north. After the self-released “Northern Twilight” EP, the band gained international attention with their debut album “Shades of Misery” (2007), establishing themselves as one of the most promising acts in the Norwegian scene.

Throughout their career, ISKALD have developed a sound where cold melodies, aggression and atmospheric depth coexist, drawing inspiration from nature, Norse heritage and existential themes. Their discography includes acclaimed albums such as “Revelations of Reckoning Day” (2008), “The Sun I Carried Alone” (2011), “Nedom og Nord” (2014) and “Innhøstinga” (2018), each marking a further evolution of their artistic vision.

Having performed at festivals including Inferno Festival, Midgardsblot, Hove Festival and by:Larm, and shared stages with major names in extreme metal, ISKALD now enter a new phase with Dusktone. The partnership leads to the release of “Curse of the Mind”, their sixth full-length album and first concept record, arriving in 2026.

https://iskaldofficial.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/iskaldofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/iskaldofficial