Norway's Eldamar, the solo project of Mathias Hemmingby (vocals, guitar, keyboard, programming), is set to release its new album, Astral Journeys Pt. I: Creation, on 6 September via Northern Silence Productions. The album marks a new chapter for Eldamar, shifting from themes inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien, Heathenism, Elven Magic, and Nature to more existential themes and nonphysical experiences. The goal of Eldamar's music has always been to evoke an emotional response from listeners, combining the auditory and visual to create a profound and immersive experience.
Astral Journeys Pt. I: Creation features a stunning cover painting by Polish surrealist Mariusz Lewandowski, setting the tone for the album's spiritual and otherworldly themes. The album consists of six tracks, blending atmospheric black metal with ambient elements to create a captivating soundscape that invites listeners on their spiritual journeys. The CD will be available in a regular Collector's Edition Digipak, limited to 999 copies, and a special Collector's Edition A5-digiCD, limited to 300 copies. The LP will come in a gatefold cover with several limited, coloured vinyl editions. Link

Astral Journeys Pt. I: Creation tracklist:
01. Akt I; First sight of a new realm…
02. Akt I; …with forces good and evil
03. Akt II; We dwell…
04. Akt II; …together…
05. Akt II; …with the ghost of…
06. Akt II; …an eternal sorrow

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"It's not only about me; everybody deals with identity in a way because the world is asking so much of you all the time. You need to relate to..." - Raven van Dorst
"We were kind of exploring dark subject matters and darker sounds. I really like that, and this is the direction we are going right now." - Larissa Vale
"You know, the music and songs just come, and we don't distance ourselves from the music that comes out." - Jyrki 69
"It's a dark album. According to me, it's the darkest yet in our discography. It's also very suggestive, very introverted, less direct, and might be less friendly..." - Daniel Moilanen

