Norwegian black metal veterans Taake, who have balanced tradition and innovation for more than three decades, remain fiercely independent while continually pushing their own creative boundaries. That uncompromising vision takes new shape on the forthcoming ninth full‑length, En Skog av Nidstang, from which the first track, "Einstoeingen og Eg", has now been shared.
In recent years of increasing isolation — detached from contemporary trends and largely removed from the influence of other music — songwriter Hoest's creative drive has only intensified. The result is four expansive compositions that flow naturally from the inspired mindset behind 2023's critically acclaimed Et Hav av Avstand.
The recordings for En Skog av Nidstang were completed south of Bergen, in the moss‑covered forests surrounding the island of Borgøy. In the very landscapes depicted by the ill‑fated Norwegian painter Lars Hertervig, Taake embraced focused seclusion, relying less on modern technology or studio excess and more on intuition, confinement, creativity, and a mastery of the rudimentary tools of the craft.
Musically, En Skog av Nidstang sounds unmistakably like Taake. Reckless, thrashing riffs collide with brooding gloom; chilling melodies rise from violent intensity; and moments of desolate reflection give way to untamed aggression. The result is a record that celebrates the enduring force of an unyielding artistic vision — proof that, after 33 years, Taake remain as vital, distinctive, and relevant as ever.
The album was recorded, mixed, and produced by Bjørnar Erevik Nilsen (Vulture Industries) and mastered by Øystein G. Brun (Borknagar). Link
Touring plans are currently being drawn up, and in the meantime Taake have been confirmed for the following appearances:
01 Aug – Full Rewind, Flugplatz Roitzschjora, DE
06 Aug – Monument, Göteborg, SE
07 Aug – Kollektivet Livet, Stockholm, SE
08 Aug – Club Destroyer, Sundvall, SE
12 Aug – Midgardsblot, Borre, NO
21 Aug – Wolfszeit, Eisfeld, DE
04 Sep – Barrak Music Hrad, Ostrava, CZ
30 Oct – Det Akademiske Kvarter, Bergen, NO
17–20 Dec – Metalowa Wigilia X‑Mass 2026
More dates to be announced.
Italian darkwave/post‑punk newcomers The Autumn Aurora present their debut full‑length False Idols, a record that explores introspection, alienation and social disillusionment while...
US‑based electronic act Dismantled has released a brand‑new single “Zero”, marking the first official preview of the long‑awaited sixth studio album Endless, due out on 20 November via...
Industrial rock/metal outfit Our Frankenstein has released their brand‑new single and video “Jealous God”, offering a fierce first glimpse into their forthcoming EP, Comedy. “Jealous God”...
London‑based synth‑pop and dark‑disco force KN/GHTS return with a brand‑new single and video, “Light The Fuse”—a vibrant, emotionally charged track that captures the turbulent cycle...
"I like to call our music suicide pop, because our songs are pretty easy to listen to, but the topics are very negative and quite dark. It's pop, but negative pop." - Simone Salvatori
"All of us want to bring back analogue methods—doing everything by hand. AI is completely outside our creative universe. It's a system designed to make things easier and faster." - Andy Julia
"This time we're trying not to complicate things too much. We want to have a simple message, but that doesn't mean there will be fewer arrangements or less songwriting..." - Pedro Paixão
"You can see it in social media, in the world, with the wars going on, and I think it's an appropriate title for an album." - Skinny Disco
