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.
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"They wrote that we wanted to influence people's minds with our bagpipes so that they would be willing to attack the police." - Irdorath
"It's my kind of duty to provoke people and to make sure they feel something — to dance, cry, do whatever they feel. I do motivate them, because that's my purpose." - Chris Corner
"We're really into oxymorons and that sort of thing. Years and years ago, we came up with this idea—well, we didn't invent it, but we called it "happy sad"." - Matt James
"Goth people want to have fun sometimes too. I guess if your listening time is 99% dark, sad songs or evil black metal songs, sometimes you want 1% joy, and here I come." - Franck Hueso
