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:

Curse of the Mind – Invocation I

The Other Realm

Curse of the Mind – Invocation II

Manifestation of Madness

Curse of the Mind – Invocation III

A Burden of Hope

Curse of the Mind – Final Invocation

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

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Press: Anubi Press