French dark folk collective SKÁLD have unveiled “Dǫkksalir,” the third single from their forthcoming album Ørlǫg, due September 25, 2026 via Napalm Records.
Arriving just days before the album’s release, “Dǫkksalir” takes listeners into the dark depths of the sea, pairing gentle, almost lullaby-like melodies with an ominous tale of sirens, mischievous spirits and the dangers waiting beyond the protection of the light.
The band explains:
“‘Dǫkksalir’ draws us into the dark depths of the sea; in the distance, the sirens’ song calls to us, yet also terrifies us; mischievous spirits watch us and laugh at us; they already know we will be weak; the light no longer protects us; down below, eyes stare at you — perhaps it is you yourself watching yourself lose your way. Those siren voices are so beautiful.”
The single arrives alongside an official lyric video and offers another glimpse into Ørlǫg, SKÁLD’s first album for Napalm Records.
SKÁLD explore fate and consequence on Ørlǫg
At the center of Ørlǫg is the Old Norse concept of the cosmic web connecting an individual’s past, present choices and future. Across ten tracks, SKÁLD examine destiny not as something immovable, but as something continually shaped by actions and decisions.
“Ørlǫg is the cosmic web that influences the world and every person,” the band explains. “Part of our Ørlǫg is determined by our birth, our past actions, and our upbringing, but Ørlǫg is not set in stone; our daily choices are constantly shaping it.”
The band continues:
“What we do now and what we have done in the past determines what will happen to us in the future; we cannot escape the consequences of our actions. This album makes us question our choices — both individual and collective — and the patterns we accept or reject.”
Drawing inspiration from Skaldic poetry and Nordic traditions, SKÁLD build the album around instruments including Nordic fiddles, harps, lyres, horns, kannels and whistles. Three lead vocalists further shape its arrangements, moving between individual voices, layered harmonies, throat singing and communal chants.
The journey begins with “Draumakona,” an exploration of the female side of shamanic prophecy, before “Myrkviðr” shifts the focus toward male vocals. “Ratatoskr” combines clattering percussion, throat singing and repetitive chants inspired by the mythological squirrel of the same name.
Elsewhere, “Útgarðr” layers contrasting voices before reaching a dramatic climax, while “Ek skald rida” takes a considerably more tranquil approach. “Himinbjǫrg” travels toward the edge of Asgard and invokes Heimdall, guardian of the rainbow bridge Bifröst.
“Heiemo og Nykkjen” reinterprets a traditional medieval Norwegian folk ballad, while “Veit barnit” incorporates a child’s voice alongside SKÁLD’s vocal harmonies. The album concludes with “Eldr ok iss” — Old Norse for “fire and ice” — drawing upon the creation myth surrounding Ymir and the collision of the fiery Muspelheim and icy Niflheim.
Ørlǫg tracklist
- Draumakona
- Myrkviðr
- Ratatoskr
- Dǫkksalir
- Útgarðr
- Ek skald rida
- Himinbjǫrg
- Heiemo og Nykkjen
- Veit barnit
- Eldr ok iss
Ørlǫg will be released digitally, on CD and across multiple vinyl editions, including several limited and exclusive variants. Pre-order
SKÁLD to tour Europe and the UK with THE HU
Shortly after the release of Ørlǫg, SKÁLD will take their new material on the road as special guests for THE HU on the Warrior Chant Tour.
The extensive UK and European arena run begins September 29 in Glasgow and continues through October and into November, bringing SKÁLD through the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
SKÁLD are
Christophe Voisin Boisvinet — Percussion, Nordic Fiddles, Harp, Horn, Vocals, Programming
Marti Ilmar Uibo — Percussion, Lyre, Kannel, Whistles, Jaw Harp, Vocals
Steeve Petit — Percussion, Vocals
Marie Potosniak — Fiddles, Vocals
Guillaume Levy — Irish Bouzouki, Citole, Gudok
Nathalie Lemoye-Voisin — Vocals
Ravn — Moraharpa
Michel Abraham — Vocals
Eyline Uibo — Vocals
Ørlǫg arrives September 25, 2026 via Napalm Records.