Kvelertak has shared their second single and music video from their upcoming new album, Splid, due February 14th via Rise Records. The track ‘Crack of Doom’ is a rager and features Troy Sanders of Mastodon. Premiering on the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show last night, the track is one of the first songs ever by the band, performed entirely in English. The clip was Directed by Stian Andersen, Produced by Lars Thomas Skare also first AD, and the cinematography was handled by Kristian Jaran Engelsen. Watch it now!
Pre-order the album here: https://RiseRecords.lnk.to/Splid
“Ever heard of the Maya Apocalypse? Johannes Stöffler? Harold Camping? Are you afraid that the religious leaders, scientists, or the doomsday preachers may be right?,” the band comments. “Have no fear! They were all wrong. But now, KVELERTAK has come to prophesize Ragnarok, straight into your heart and soul. The Crack of Doom shines on us all!”
Regarding Sanders’ appearance on the track, the band says, “We sent Troy a demo of the song because there were a couple of parts we felt would fit his voice very well and lift the song. Luckily, he liked the track and was keen to do it. He got some scratch vocal tracks and some guidelines but was free to do it however he wanted. What we got back was even better than what we could hope for. We’re extremely proud to have him featured on this song, and with Troy being American, it felt natural to just do the whole thing in English.”
Regarding the official video, Stian and Lars state, “It has been an amazing experience and a privilege to assist in the baptism of Ivar Nikolaisen into the ranks of the band, and putting him through the torturous conditions of ice bathing in sub-zero temperatures, setting him on fire, galloping through the forest shirtless mid-winter, or hanging him upside down from a tree.”
Splid’ is Kvelertak’s fourth album overall and first since 2016’s Nattesferd. It marks the recorded debut of new singer, Ivar Nikolaisen, who joined the group in 2018. The album was recorded with Kurt Ballou (Converge, Code Orange, Zeal & Ardor, Every Time I Die, Dillinger Escape Plan, High on Fire) at Godcity Studio in Salem, Massachusetts.
The band previously stated that “Splid (‘discord’ in English) is a deep dive into western gluttony, our own stupidity, and the abyss of the earth. Working with Kurt again has been amazing and we’re extremely happy with the production. We’ve pushed ourselves to the edge this last year – musically, physically, and mentally. The result is one hour of catchy riffs, punk rock, and heavy metal influenced by a world in discord to accompany our way towards Ragnarok.”
Splid track listing:
Rogaland
Crack of Doom Feat. Troy Sanders
Necrosoft
Discord
Bråtebrann
Uglas hegemoni
Fanden ta dette hull!
Tevling
Stevnemøte med Satan
Delirium tremens
Ved bredden av Nihil