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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.
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
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.
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
ONLINE
LINEUP
Aage Krekling – Vocals
Simon Larsen – Guitars
Ben Hansen – Guitars
Isak Larsen – Drums
Tobias Aubert – Bass
BIOGRAPHY/LOGO
ISKALD is a Norwegian black metal band formed in Sortland, Nordland, in 2005 by guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter Simon Larsen. Emerging from the harsh landscapes of Northern Norway, the band quickly established itself with a sound that combines the icy aggression of traditional Norwegian black metal with memorable melodic passages, atmospheric arrangements, and modern production values.
Following the release of their independently produced Northern Twilight EP in 2006, ISKALD signed with Indie Recordings and released their debut full-length, Shades of Misery, in 2007. The album received positive reviews within the underground black metal scene and introduced the band's signature blend of relentless riffing, haunting melodies, and cold Scandinavian atmosphere.
Only a year later, ISKALD returned with Revelations of Reckoning Day (2008), showcasing a more refined and technically accomplished approach. The album expanded the band's musical palette while remaining firmly rooted in Norwegian black metal traditions, earning recognition both at home and internationally.
After a short hiatus from recording, the band released The Sun I Carried Alone in 2011. The album marked another step forward in songwriting maturity, balancing aggression with epic, atmospheric compositions and featuring lyrics in both English and Norwegian. It is often regarded as one of the band's strongest and most complete releases.
ISKALD continued to evolve with Nedom og Nord (2014), an album deeply inspired by the landscapes, history, and folklore of Northern Norway. Built around six lengthy compositions, it highlighted the band's ability to create immersive and emotionally powerful black metal while incorporating a stronger sense of regional identity through the use of Norwegian lyrics.
Their fifth studio album, Innhøstinga, arrived in 2018 and further refined the band's melodic yet uncompromising style. Praised for its strong musicianship, sophisticated songwriting, and dynamic production, the album demonstrated ISKALD's continued artistic growth while maintaining the cold intensity that has defined the band since its inception.
Throughout its career, ISKALD has remained dedicated to creating authentic Norwegian black metal without relying on trends or commercial appeal. Instead, the band has focused on crafting music that reflects the darkness, isolation, and natural beauty of the Arctic North, blending fierce black metal aggression with memorable melodies and expansive atmospheres.
After several years of relative silence, ISKALD returned to active status with a renewed lineup and began working on new material, signaling a new chapter in the band's history. More than two decades after its formation, ISKALD continues to stand as one of the notable modern representatives of Norway's second wave-inspired black metal tradition, carrying forward the spirit of the genre while maintaining its own distinctive identity.
DISCOGRAPHY
Northern Twilight (EP, 2006)
Shades of Misery (2007)
Revelations of Reckoning Day (2008)
The Sun I Carried Alone (2011)
Nedom og Nord (2014)
Innhøstinga (2018)
Curse of the Mind (2026)
GENRE/COUNTRY
Melodic Black Metal
Norway
