Just in time for the release of their highly anticipated upcoming album, Ýdalir, Viking metal icons SKÁLMÖLD unleash their infectious title track, “Ýdalir”, together with a gripping official performance video. Through a collection of awe-inspiring songs, guided by the threads of fate spun by Urður, Verðandi, and Skuld, experience a captivating narrative that blurs the boundaries of reality and myth on the band’s upcoming full-length album, Ýdalir, out this Friday, August 18, 2023 via Napalm Records.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of “Ýdalir”, a haven nestled amidst lush valleys filled with yew trees. 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.

Releasing their first record in five years, SKÁLMÖLD have returned with furious sets – such as their performance at Wacken Open Air (which even the President of Iceland himself made a point of attending) and their upcoming show at Summer Breeze.

Björgvin Sigurðsson on “Ýdalir”:            
“The third single we present to you from our upcoming album is the title track, ‘ÝDALIR’. Here we get to know a little about ULLUR and his home in ÝDALIR, and are introduced to the horrors he and his folk must face.

Two things I would like to mention regarding this song are, first, the majority of the song was written by our drummer, Jón Geir. He has written riffs and melodies before, but this is the first time he presents to us what became the backbone of a song. The opening riff and verse are very straight forward and menacing and you can sense the danger ULLUR and his folk are facing. And then comes the melody in the chorus. Such a strong melody which could have easily been written in 1988 and recorded for Seventh Son, if you ask me.

Second, we have to talk about the guitar solo. Þráinn is such a monster when it comes to guitar solos and has done some fantastic solos for us in the past. But here he gives us what might be his best guitar solo to date. Good stuff.

So, ÝDALIR is a song that we are very proud to present to you and I can see this song becoming a constant in our live set for years to come. And now we just have to wait a few more days until you can enjoy the album as a whole. It´s gonna be a blast.
Cheers!”

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. 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, while the catchy guitar riff rises dramatically with the more eerie-like harmonies, providing a cinematic, epic ending. With Ýdalir, SKÁLMÖLD 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.

Pre-Order Ýdalir HERE

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

Experience SKÁLMÖLD live 2023:

Festival Shows:
17.08.23 CZ – Moravsky Krumlov / Rock Castle
18.08.23 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze
22.-24.09.23 NO – Oslo / DE – Kiel / Full Metal Cruise

Iceland Shows:
15.09.23 IS – Reykjavík, Háskólabíó
16.09.23 IS – Akureyri, Hof

Ýdalir European Tour 2023:
w/ Metsatöll & Atavistia

13.10.23 DK – Copenhagen / Lille Vega
14.10.23 DE – Hamburg / Headcrash
15.10.23 DE – Trier / Mergener Hof
16.10.23 DE – Cologne / Gebäude 9
17.10.23 FR – Paris / Backstage O’Sullivan
18.10.23 CH – Monthey / Pont Rouge
19.10.23 CH – Solothurn / Kofmehl Raumbar
20.10.23 FR – Sélestat / Rock Your Brain Festival
21.10.23 DE – Mannheim / MS Connexion
22.10.23 DE – Munich / Backstage
23.10.23 AT – Vienna / Szene
24.10.23 AT – Graz / Explosiv
25.10.23 HU – Budapest / Analog Music Hall
26.10.23 SK – Kosice / Collosseum
27.10.23 PL – Bielsko-Biala / Rude Boy
28.10.23 PL – Lublin / Studio

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

SKÁLMÖLD online:
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
NAPALM RECORDS

Viking metal icons SKÁLMÖLD have revealed their epically catchy second single, “Verðandi”, together with an official music video. With their first record in five years, the Icelandic six-piece will unveil their highly anticipated sixth studio album, Ýdalir, on August 18, 2023 via Napalm Records.

Dominated by a chant-like rhythm, “Verðandi“ represents an unforgettable track, with catchy guitar and oboe-driven details. While the first half of the track is driven by the heaviest of folk and death metal elements, strong vibrations of growls subside with the sound of the ocean and fragile organ melodies.

Fans can look forward to the band’s brand new material and energetic live shows this summer – including their return to huge European metal festivals like Wacken and Summer Breeze!

Björgvin Sigurðsson on “Verðandi”:
“The second song we present to you from our upcoming album is ‘Verðandi’. Parts of the story of Ullur presented on the album are told through the eyes of the Norns – Urður, Verðandi and Skuld. Past, present and future. The Norns live at the foot of Yggdrasill where they spin the threads of fate of all men. The three Norns all get their own song on the album and here we enter the realm of the present with Verðandi.

In two ways this song has a really classic feel to it. Firstly it is heavily inspired by the more classic styles of Metal and has a very old-school vibe. Secondly it can be seen as a classic SKÁLMÖLD song, driven forward by a really catchy and folk inspired melody, yet still heavy and epic.”

Björgvin adds:
“This is one of my favorite songs on the album and I am super happy with how it turned out. It is also really fun to play and we realized when shooting the video and playing along to the track that this is one of the songs from the new album that will most definitely become a constant in our live shows. But before you press play, I must tell you that the main melody is insanely catchy and will probably haunt you in your sleep for days. Consider yourself warned.
Cheers!”

Pre-Order Ýdalir HERE

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. 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, while the catchy guitar riff rises dramatically with the more eerie-like harmonies, providing a cinematic, epic ending. With Ýdalir, SKÁLMÖLD 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.

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

Experience SKÁLMÖLD live 2023:

Festival Shows:
04.08.23 DE – Wacken Open Air
17.08.23 CZ – Moravsky Krumlov / Rock Castle
18.08.23 DE – Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze
22.-24.09.23 NO – Oslo / DE – Hamburg / Full Metal Cruise

Iceland Shows:
15.09.23 IS – Reykjavík / Háskólabíó
16.09.23 IS – Akureyri / Hof

Ýdalir European Tour 2023:
w/ Metsatöll & Atavistia

13.10.23 DK – Copenhagen / Lille Vega
14.10.23 DE – Hamburg / Headcrash
15.10.23 DE – Trier / Mergener Hof
16.10.23 DE – Cologne / Gebäude 9
17.10.23 FR – Paris / Backstage O’Sullivan
18.10.23 CH – Monthey / Pont Rouge
19.10.23 CH – Solothurn / Kofmehl Raumbar
20.10.23 FR – Sélestat / Rock Your Brain Festival
21.10.23 DE – Mannheim / MS Connexion
22.10.23 DE – Munich / Backstage
23.10.23 AT – Vienna / Szene
24.10.23 AT – Graz / Explosiv
25.10.23 HU – Budapest / Analog Music Hall
26.10.23 SK – Kosice / Collosseum
27.10.23 PL – Bielsko-Biala / Rude Boy
28.10.23 PL – Lublin / Studio

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

SKÁLMÖLD online:
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
NAPALM RECORDS

After reigning in the metal scene for almost 15 years, Viking metal giants SKÁLMÖLD will unveil their highly anticipated sixth studio album, Ýdalir, on August 18, 2023 via Napalm Records. First single “Ratatoskur” is out now, together with an accompanying lyric video. 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.

Carried by a breathtaking guitar solo, strident growls alternate with clean vocals, delivering the message of “Ratatoskur”. The Icelanders celebrated their 10-year anniversary in 2020 with an explosive live album, recorded during three sold-out nights at the Gamla Bíó in Reykjavík, and fans can’t wait for the band’s brand new material and energetic live shows at festival stages this summer – including their return to huge European metal festivals like Wacken and Summer Breeze!

Björgvin on “Ratatoskur”:
“We proudly present to you all our sixth studio album, Ýdalir. It has been 5 years since we released our latest album and it is about time we give our fans some new music. By the end of 2019 we had already decided to give the band a little break, give ourselves time to reflect and recharge the batteries after busy and eventful first ten years of SKÁLMÖLD. And then Covid happened. So the break might have been a little longer than intended. But I can honestly say that we are back stronger than ever, full of energy and hunger to make new music and present it to our fans. And Ýdalir is proof of that. The six of us can easily say that it might be our strongest release to date, full of energy, catchy melodies and heathen epicness.

The first single we give to you, ‘Ratatoskur’, is all that. Driven forward by a catchy and folky melody. But still heavy and epic. All you would expect from a song devoted to the squirrel who runs up and down Yggdrasill, bringing messages from the eagle atop the world tree to the serpent Níðhöggur who dwells beneath one of the roots of Yggdrasill, right?

Ýdalir is an album we are super excited to present to you all and hope you like it as much as we do. It is about time we give you some new music. So enjoy! Skál!”

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. Followed by chant-like song “Verðandi“, SKALMÖLD 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, while the catchy guitar riff rises dramatically with the more eerie-like harmonies, providing a cinematic, epic ending. With Ýdalir, SKÁLMÖLD 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.

Pre-Order Ýdalir HERE

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

Experience SKÁLMÖLD live 2023:
13.10.23 DK – Copenhagen / Lille Vega
14.10.23 DE – Hamburg / Headcrash
15.10.23 DE – Trier / Mergener Hof
16.10.23 DE – Cologne / Gebäude 9
17.10.23 FR – Paris / Backstage O’Sullivan
18.10.23 CH – Monthey / Pont Rouge
19.10.23 CH – Solothurn / Kofmehl Raumbar
20.10.23 FR – Sélestat / Rock Your Brain Festival
21.10.23 DE – Mannheim / MS Connexion
22.10.23 DE – Munich / Backstage
23.10.23 AT – Vienna / Szene
24.10.23 AT – Graz / Explosiv
25.10.23 HU – Budapest / Analog Music Hall
26.10.23 SK – Kosice / Collosseum
27.10.23 PL – Bielsko-Biala / Rude Boy
28.10.23 PL – Lublin / Studio

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

SKÁLMÖLD online:
HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
NAPALM RECORDS

Icelandic Viking Metal giants SKÁLMÖLD will release their second live album and their first as solo band, 10 Year Anniversary – Live In Reykjavík, on October 23, 2020 via Napalm Records. Taken from this exciting ride through the band’s discography, SKÁLMÖLD have just unveiled the fourth single “Að Vetri” (eng: In Winter).

The fast and driving live version of “Að Vetri” is putting heat on the crowd at that unforgettable evening in Reykjavík’s sold out Gamla Bíó, while the song’s protagonist Þórunn’s fight against Iceland’s harsh winters of ice and snow. Unrelenting driving drums and guitar riffs create a tight and oppressive atmosphere and underline SKÁLMÖLD’s versatility!

Watch the live video for “Að Vetri” HERE:

Three consecutive sold-out shows at the Gamla Bíó in their hometown Reykjavík were the adequate setting to celebrate the 10th anniversary together with their devotees. 10 Year Anniversary – Live In Reykjavík transports the mythical atmosphere directly into their fan’s homes.
 
SKÁLMÖLD on 10 Year Anniversary – Live In Reykjavík:
“In late 2009 we started SKÁLMÖLD. Nothing serious. Was just supposed for the pure fun of meeting up once in a while to play some metal music. Fast forward 10 years and we are celebrating the release of 10 YEARS OF SKÁLMÖLD – Live in Reykjavík. Recorded in the heart of Iceland’s capital at one of our 3 amazing sold out shows. Here is SKÁLMÖLD in its purest form – on stage, feeding on the energy of our beloved fans. We feel really proud and happy to present this to you. Enjoy!”

Pre-Order your copy of 10 Year Anniversary – Live In Reykjavík NOW!

Starting off with their chant-worthy song “Heima”, SKÁLMÖLD had concert-goers screaming along from the first second. Quickly transforming into “Árás”, fans almost immediately got to see the wild side of the band which manifests in menacing vocals, fast riffs and protruding drums. SKÁLMÖLD classics, like the story of Loki’s son, “Narfi”, and just how dangerous and manipulative Loki’s children truly are, were essential for the setlist. “Niðavellir”, the obscure home of the dwarves, tells the story of tombs and caves, underlined with propelling drums and heavy rhythms. This is pure Viking Spirit!

Tracklist 10 Year Anniversary – Live In Reykjavík:
1. Heima
2. Árás
3. Að hausti
4. Fenrisúlfur
5. Narfi
6. Miðgarðsormur
7. Niflheimur
8. Með fuglum
9. Mara
10. Móri
11. Niðavellir
12. Að vetri
13. Dauði
14. Gleipnir
15. Með jötnum
16. Kvaðning
Bonus: Band Documentation & The Last 10 Years

Viking Metal giants SKÁLMÖLD will release their second live album and their first as a solo band, 10 Year Anniversary – Live In Reykjavík, on its new release date of October 16, 2020 via Napalm Records.

Today, the six-piece reveals the third video taken off the new live album:
“Árás” leads all the way back to SKÁLMÖLD’s origins in January 2010, when they recorded their first demo on music cassette, which included only two songs. Ten years later, the Icelanders are on stage at the three days in a row completely sold out Gamla Bíó in their hometown of Reykjavík, celebrating their jubilee with their most dedicated fans.

Menacing vocals, fast riffs and protruding drums underline the impressive evolvement the band took since their first demo – clearly audible and viewable on their new live album, 10 Year Anniversary – Live In Reykjavík.

SKÁLMÖLD on “Árás”:
“The third track we present to you from our upcoming live album is ‘ÁRÁS’. This song has always been special to us. It is from our debut album and was one of the very first songs we ever wrote. It has been an integral part of our setlist throughout the years. And in a live environment is where it is at its best, with its slow build-up and big choir parts. It is safe to say that this one is very dear to us. We love it and hope you do as well. Skál!”

Watch the live video for “Árás” HERE

Three consecutive sold-out shows at the Gamla Bíó in their hometown of Reykjavík were the adequate setting to celebrate the 10th anniversary together with their devotees. 10 Year Anniversary – Live In Reykjavík transports a mythical atmosphere directly into their fan’s homes.
 
SKÁLMÖLD on 10 Year Anniversary – Live In Reykjavík:
“In late 2009 we started SKÁLMÖLD. Nothing serious. Was just supposed for the pure fun of meeting up once in a while to play some metal music. Fast forward 10 years and we are celebrating the release of 10 YEARS OF SKÁLMÖLD – Live in Reykjavík. Recorded in the heart of Iceland’s capital at one of our 3 amazing sold out shows. Here is SKÁLMÖLD in its purest form – on stage, feeding on the energy of our beloved fans. We feel really proud and happy to present this to you. Enjoy!”

Pre-Order your copy of 10 Year Anniversary – Live In Reykjavík NOW!

Starting off with their chant-worthy song “Heima”, SKÁLMÖLD had concert-goers screaming along from the first second. Quickly transforming into “Árás”, fans almost immediately got to see the wild side of the band which manifests in menacing vocals, fast riffs and protruding drums. SKÁLMÖLD classics, like the story of Loki’s son, “Narfi”, and just how dangerous and manipulative Loki’s children truly are, were essential for the setlist. “Niðavellir”, the obscure home of the dwarves, tells the story of tombs and caves, underlined with propelling drums and heavy rhythms. This is pure Viking Spirit!

Tracklist 10 Year Anniversary – Live In Reykjavík:
1. Heima
2. Árás
3. Að hausti
4. Fenrisúlfur
5. Narfi
6. Miðgarðsormur
7. Niflheimur
8. Með fuglum
9. Mara
10. Móri
11. Niðavellir
12. Að vetri
13. Dauði
14. Gleipnir
15. Með jötnum
16. Kvaðning
Bonus: Band Documentation & The Last 10 Years

SKÁLMÖLD live:
w/ Finntroll
16.03.21 DE – Cologne / Essigfarbik
17.03.21 DE – Hanover / Musikzentrum
18.03.21 NL – Amsterdam / Melkweg
19.03.21 NL – Tilburg / 013
20.03.21 DE – Bochumm / Matrix
21.03.21 BE – Vosselaar / Biebob
22.03.21 FR – Caen / BBC
23.03.21 FR – Paris / Le Petit Bain
24.03.21 FR – Lyon / Ninkasi Kao
25.03.21 FR – Istres / L’Usine
26.03.21 CH – Orbe / Le Puisoir
27.03.21 FR – Limoges / CC John Lennon
28.03.21 FR – Nantes / Le Warehouse
29.03.21 ES – Barcelona / Razzmatazz 2
30.03.21 ES – Madrid / MON Live
31.03.21 FR – Toulouse / Le Metronum
01.04.21 IT – Milano / Slaughter Club
02.04.21 IT – Rome / Largo
03.04.21 IT – Venice / Revolver Club
04.04.21 SI – Ljubljana / Orto Bar
05.04.21 AT – Graz / Explosiv
06.04.21 HU – Budapest / Dürer Kert
07.04.21 AT – Vienna / Szene
08.04.21 DE – Munich / Backstage
09.04.21 DE – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann
10.04.21 DE – Lindau / Club Vaudeville
11.04.21 FR – Strasbourg / La Laiterie
12.04.21 DE – Frankfurt / Batschkapp
13.04.21 DE – Leipzig / Täubchenthal
14.04.21 DE – Berlin / Hole44
15.04.21 PL – Krakow / Kwadrat
16.04.21 PL – Warsaw / Proxima
17.04.21 CZ – Prague / Nova Chmelnice
18.04.21 DE – Hamburg / Grünspan