Icelandic sorcerous folk metal band HRAFNABLÓT have entered a new chapter, announcing two new members following the release of their debut full-length album, Guðlaugar Saga.
The band has welcomed guitarist Þorsteinn Steinberg Allansson and drummer Kristinn Bergsson to the lineup, replacing guitarist Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir and drummer Andri Pétur Dalmar. HRAFNABLÓT thanked the departing members for their contributions and wished them well in their future endeavors.
With the refreshed lineup in place, HRAFNABLÓT are preparing to bring the music of Guðlaugar Saga to the stage.
Released September 11, 2026, the debut album introduces the band’s self-described “sorcerous folk metal,” combining heavy riffs, folk influences, atmospheric keyboards, haunting melodies, and a mix of clean and harsh vocals inspired by Icelandic folklore, history, nature, and magick.
Formed in late 2024, HRAFNABLÓT have already made appearances at venues and events including Íslenski rokkbarinn, Lemmy, BIRD, and the Icelandic Sorcery Festival.
Guðlaugar Saga is built around a time-bending concept following Guðlaug, a modern-day woman suddenly transported to Iceland’s settlement age with only her clothes and a taser.
Across seven songs, an intro, and a spoken-word interlude, the record follows Guðlaug through prophecy, ritual, battle, celebration, captivity, homesickness, and ultimately a confrontation with fate. Musically, HRAFNABLÓT move between folk metal, melodic death metal, gothic and extreme metal influences, and traditional Icelandic elements.
“When writing the album, we knew right away we wanted to create a strong and cohesive narrative and to feature the stark contrasts present in Icelandic folklore and sagas,” the band explains. “The album features seven songs, along with a spoken-word interlude and intro, weaving together influences from Icelandic magick, history, and culture.”
The band describes its sound as drawing from “the contrasting darkness and light of Icelandic folk culture” alongside Nordic folk metal, NWOBHM, gothic music, and various extreme metal styles.
At nearly 48 minutes, Guðlaugar Saga culminates with the 11-minute “Örlagavegur,” bringing Guðlaug’s journey to its final choice. Previous singles from the album include “Svartigaldur,” “Dísablót,” and “Heljarhlíð.”
Guðlaugar Saga is available now digitally and on CD and vinyl.
Guðlaugar Saga Tracklist
- Spádómurinn – 1:49
- Dísablót – 5:44
- Heljarhlíð – 6:22
- Kappar, Meyjar, Komendur – 1:22
- Fögnuður – 5:41
- Nornarheimt – 5:21
- Svartigaldur – 5:17
- Heimþrá – 4:59
- Örlagavegur – 11:23
HRAFNABLÓT lineup
Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir – Lead Vocals
Þorsteinn Steinberg Allansson – Guitar
Steingrímur Viðar Karlsson – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson – Bass, Backing Vocals
Ólafur Daði Jónsson – Keyboards, Harsh and Backing Vocals
Kristinn Bergsson – Drums
Recommended for fans of Ensiferum, Nightwish, Wintersun, Skálmöld, and Eluveitie, Guðlaugar Saga is now available on all digital platforms, CD, and vinyl.
CD/Vinyl | Bandcamp | Spotify
Previous Singles:
Music Video – “Svartigaldur”
Music Video – “Dísablót”
Music Video – “Heljarhlíð”