Founded in 2023, Norwegian act Avrak is the brainchild of guitarist Ted Skjellum (aka Nocturno Culto of legendary Black Metallers Darkthrone) and vocalist/guitarist Anders Hegna of Nød, and El Kayenne. With their name rooted in Norse mythology (Avrak and Alsviðr were two horses that drew the chariot bearing the sun) you could be forgiven for thinking the band’s primary subject matter would be derived from Nordic history and folklore. However, while those themes and inspirations may be present, their eponymously titled album focuses more on personal empowerment, fighting back in a time of increasing corruption.
Tag Archives: Gary Alcock
ALBUM REVIEW: Amon Amarth – The Allfather Awakens
As the old saying goes, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Well, thirteen records into a career filled obsessively with Vikings and Norse mythology, and the only result Amon Amarth expects to change is the number of listeners. Judging from their continuing rise in popularity, that’s pretty far from insanity.
ALBUM REVIEW: Gåte – Sigil
The first full-length studio release from Trøndelag Folk act Gåte since they represented their country at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, Sigil (Season of Mist) finds the band in familiar territory, drawing on ancient Norwegian myths, stories, and legends.


