In the world of heavy metal, few bands have the enigmatic allure and enduring legacy of DARKTHRONE. With their latest studio album, "Pre-Historic Metal," still fresh off the presses, the Norwegian duo is now gearing up for their next venture: the debut album from their new project, AVRAK. This new band, featuring DARKTHRONE's Ted "Nocturno Culto" Skjellum and Anders Hegna of NØD, EL KAYENNE and SVIDD GREVLING, is set to release its self-titled debut this fall, marking an exciting new chapter in the careers of these musical pioneers.
What makes this announcement particularly intriguing is the unique collaboration between Skjellum and Hegna. The two have known each other for over a decade, and their musical paths have crossed in various projects, but this is their first joint venture as a band. In an interview with Dev Gohil, Skjellum revealed the genesis of AVRAK, stating, "We talked about maybe we should do something once and try it out and see what it becomes. We come from slightly different angles, but we have a lot in common."
The band's musical direction is a fascinating blend of their individual styles. Skjellum, known for his work with DARKTHRONE, brings a more metal guitar sound to the table, while Hegna contributes a rockier, more classic heavy metal influence. This fusion of styles is evident in their live performances, where they are backed by the Kråbøl brothers, Terje and Stian, adding a dynamic live element to their sound.
One of the most intriguing aspects of AVRAK is the way Skjellum and Hegna approach songwriting. Unlike DARKTHRONE, where Skjellum and his bandmate Fenriz have long collaborated on songwriting, AVRAK sees Skjellum and Hegna working closely together on all the details of their music. This close collaboration has resulted in a sound that is both chaotic and cohesive, a testament to their shared vision and musical chemistry.
The upcoming AVRAK album is a milestone for the band, as it represents the culmination of countless hours of work and dedication. Skjellum expressed his excitement, stating, "For us, it's like a milestone because all the hours we put into this project, and we also played actually a concert now in late April. So, the goal for AVRAK is to play more live."
What makes AVRAK particularly fascinating is the way it challenges traditional boundaries in heavy metal. While DARKTHRONE has always been known for its innovative and boundary-pushing sound, AVRAK takes a more classic approach, drawing inspiration from the optimistic and hopeful era of '80s heavy metal. This is a refreshing change for fans of DARKTHRONE, who are accustomed to the duo's more experimental and avant-garde sound.
In my opinion, AVRAK represents a new direction for Skjellum and Hegna, one that allows them to explore their shared love of classic heavy metal while still pushing the boundaries of the genre. The band's ability to blend their individual styles into a cohesive and captivating sound is a testament to their musical prowess and creativity. As they prepare to release their debut album, fans can expect a fresh and exciting musical experience that will no doubt leave a lasting impression on the heavy metal landscape.
In conclusion, AVRAK is a band that promises to deliver a unique and captivating musical experience. With their blend of classic and modern influences, and their ability to push the boundaries of heavy metal, they are sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of the genre. As they prepare to release their debut album, the world of heavy metal eagerly awaits the sound of AVRAK, a band that is sure to make its mark on the musical landscape.
