Latvian pagan metallers Skyforger have presented the first single and video, "Dieva suns (Hound Of God)", from their forthcoming full-length, Teikas (meaning 'Folktales'), slated for release in April. Teikas marks Skyforger's first new studio album in a decade and the band's return to its signature blend of folk and pagan metal.

Inspired by events from over 333 years ago in the Vidzeme region of Livonia (now Latvia), "Dieva suns (Hound Of God)" tells the story of Thiess of Kaltenbrun, an 86-year-old peasant who claimed to have been a werewolf for many years. During a trial in 1691 involving the robbery of a church in the Zaube village, Thiess confessed to transforming into a wolf after drinking from a cursed mug. He claimed that werewolves would travel to the gates of Hell three times a year to reclaim stolen goods brought there by witches and wizards. Despite his insistence that he served as a "hound of God" and not a servant of the Devil, Thiess was convicted of sorcery and sentenced to public flogging before disappearing without a trace.

Skyforger will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025 with a special launch party for Teikas on 3 May at Xiaomi Arena in Riga, Latvia. The two-hour set will feature new material from the album alongside fan favourites with spectacular visuals and special guests to be announced soon. Link