Review SKÁLD “Ørlǫg”

Skáld take their listeners into a world of Nordic mysticism and mythology. Founded in 2018 by Christophe Voisin-Boisvinet, the band actually comes from France, even though their name, subject matter, and musical approach might lead you to guess Scandinavia or Iceland before you ever see the map.

Skáld have released four albums so far, and while the lineup has changed over the years, the project has remained firmly committed to its musical foundation. With Ørlǫg, Skáld now return with their fifth full-length release and their first album in collaboration with Napalm Records. Across ten tracks, the band once again explores Norse mythology, with fate, origins, and consequences forming the thematic backbone. The connection to the Old Norse tradition is not limited to the subject matter either – the language itself becomes part of the musical experience.

Musically, Skáld have little in common with metal. Anyone looking for heavy riffs and pounding grooves will probably need to look elsewhere. This neo-folk project builds its sound around a wide range of traditional instruments, with rhythm playing a particularly important role. The result is an archaic atmosphere that feels more like something being summoned from another age than a conventional modern folk production. Tracks such as the pulsating “Útgarðr” use repetition and rhythm to create a hypnotic pull, gradually building tension before heading toward a dramatic climax.

“Draumakona” not only opens the album but also serves as one of its lead singles. Layered vocals and a persistent beat give the track an immediate presence and offer a good indication of what Skáld have in store. Rather than relying on conventional hooks, the song draws you in through atmosphere, repetition, and the interplay between the different vocal layers.

Ørlǫg is an intriguing album for anyone with an interest in Norse mythology. What Skáld offer is not an attempt to recreate the exact sound of some distant historical era. Instead, they take the instruments, language, stories, and musical ideas associated with that world and reshape them into something distinctly their own.

Fans of acts such as Wardruna should definitely give Ørlǫg a spin – assuming it hasn’t already found its way onto their shopping list.