Iceland's Hrafnablot play a sorcerous brand of folk metal steeped in Icelandic magick and myth, and they're gearing up for their debut concept album Guðlaugar saga this fall. We caught up with the band about where things stand.

What is new since the last interview?
We're a new band from Iceland playing our own brand of sorcerous folk metal inspired by Icelandic folklore, magick and myths. We released our debut single "Svartigaldur" on July 10th with a self-produced music video, followed by "Dísablót" on July 31st. Both are chapters from our upcoming concept album Guðlaugar saga, out this fall.

What has been inspiring you lately?
Bassist Þórgnýr Albertsson has been reading Icelandic magick stories collected by folktale historian Jón Árnason, alongside a deep dive into Old Man Child's discography.

Tell us about your new music.
"Svartigaldur," released July 10, 2026 with an official video, is the first chapter of Guðlaugar saga — a concept album following Guðlaug, a modern-day Icelandic woman thrown back into the settlement age. In the song she's bound to the mast of a longship after being accused of witchcraft; the band built a sea-shanty-like rowing rhythm underneath black-metal guitars, folk melody and a big melodic chorus. "It is heavy and dark, but it is also energetic, catchy and theatrical," the band says of the introduction to their sound.

What's next?
Guðlaugar saga arrives this fall, and fans can stay tuned via the band's website and socials below.

Keep up with Hrafnablot:
Website: hrafnablot.is
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrafnablot/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrafnablot/
Bandcamp: https://hrafnablot.bandcamp.com/
Watch "Svartigaldur":