Since the release of “Kraft” in 2004, Vreid has established themselves as a major player in the world of blackened metal from Norway. The band from Sognal has released albums regularly, and now it is “The Skies Turn Black” that will hit the shelves. Five years after releasing “Wild North West,” the Norwegians are presenting eleven new songs that showcase the next stage in the evolution of the five-piece band.
Vreid began their musical journey as a black metal band, constantly developing their sound. Their latest studio effort is the next step in this journey, where Vreid blends various influences into a cohesive whole. Their black metal roots aren’t completely gone, resonating through the excellent opener, “From These Woods.” At the same time, the atmospheric elements of the album’s opening track display a broader approach to metal.
The same goes for the Maiden-esque start of “The Sky Turns Black.” This gloomy metal stomper is full of traditional heavy metal. “A Second Death” harkens back to Vreid’s roots, as they have always incorporated a solid dose of rock into their grim metal.
“Kraken” was unveiled earlier as a single and is an interesting song. First, it is an instrumental, and second, it showcases Vreid’s versatility. The song is part of the “Kraken” movie soundtrack. The film premiered in Norwegian theaters in February 2026, and the title track is a dark, dystopian composition. Kept at a slow pace with keyboards as the dominant instrument, “Kraken” fits perfectly into the context of the album while still being different from the other songs.
The sinister vibe of the album continues with “Loving the Dead,” which features a new twist. The eight-minute song includes vocals by Agnete Kjølsrud (Djerv). Her haunting vocals give the song new depth. The song is dark, spreading a melancholic vibe reminiscent of a Lynch-inspired dream world.
After such a cinematic detour, we return to Vreid’s roots with the pulsating “Build & Destroy,” which brings the earlier days to the forefront. “Flammen” continues this approach, and generally, we can say that the second half of the album refers more to the basics, with “Echoes of Life” being the exception. This heavy-hearted, solemn song acts as a counterpart to the roaring metal pieces. Inspired by ’70s rock, the track is a soul-touching moment of “The Skies Turn Black.”
The final song, “The Earth Rumbles,” indicates a heavier tune, and it delivers. Mesmerizing, hoarse vocals combined with a sinister riff drive the song. It is not a big, earth-shaking song. Rather, it is a subtle, hammering beat that creates a thrill, intensified by a calmer middle section where the atmospheric approach becomes more apparent.
“The Skies Turn Black” is an excellent next album from Vreid. Without denying their roots, the band has developed their sound, offering blackened metal with rock influences. A black heart doesn’t always require blistering speed and hoarse screams. More subtle elements can give you the shivers, and Vreid knows how to make use of this sinister toolkit.
Tracklist:
- From These Woods
- The Skies Turn Black
- A Second Death
- Kraken
- Loving the Dead
- Build & Destroy
- Chaos
- Flammen
- Smile of Hate
- Echoes of Life
- The Earth Rumbles
Label: Indie Recordings
Genre: Blackened Metal
Release Date EU: March 6th, 2026
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