NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – August 21, 2026
Sorcerous Folk Metal HRAFNABLÓT Announces Debut Album “Guðlaugar Saga” Out Sept 2026 + New Video “Heljarhlíð”
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L-R Hrafnablót Line-up | Steingrímur Viðar Karlsson (Guitar) | Ólafur Daði Jónsson (Keyboards) | Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir (Vocals) | Andri Pétur Dalmar (Drums) | Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson (Bass) | Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir (Guitar)
Photo Credit: Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson
Sorcerous folk‑metal rising force Hrafnablót announces that their debut album, “Guðlaugar Saga,“ will be available on September 11, 2026.
A true epic, “Guðlaugar Saga” blends Icelandic folklore, Sagas, magick, and folk‑metal tradition into a cohesive narrative concept record. The story follows Guðlaug, a modern woman hurled into the settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser, as she navigates battles, celebrations, kidnapping, fate, and the choice between returning home and reshaping history.
Sonically, “Guðlaugar Saga” contrasts darkness and light, ugliness and beauty, past and present, weaving together Icelandic folk music, Nordic folk metal, NWOBHM, gothic influences, and extreme metal to create a sound that is sorcerous, folky, dramatic, melodic, and contrasting.
The album will feature seven full songs plus two spoken‑word pieces, including the seer’s prophecy in Spádómurinn and the chieftain’s post‑battle reflection in Kappar, meyjar, and komendur. Each track contributes to the overarching Saga, from the celebratory folk‑metal revelry of Fögnuður to the 11‑minute multi‑movement finale Örlagavegur.
“We want to give listeners a sonic journey inspired by Icelandic nature and folklore, harsh, fragile, intimate, and always beautiful,” adds the band.
After previewing tracks “Dísablót” and “Svartigaldur”, Hrafnablót is sharing their newest single and music video, “Heljarhlíð”, continuing the album’s narrative of Guðlaug, a modern‑day woman thrust back into Iceland’s settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser.
“Heljarhlíð” marks the first appearance of harsh vocals from keyboardist Ólafur Daði Jónsson, paired with the soaring clean vocals of Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir. Musically, the track channels melodic death metal influences and closes with a powerful vocal harmony.
Watch and listen to the music video for “Heljarhlíð” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4mEwniTdVA
Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/5d5tsvnMNn38HrPFbwfd4h
Bandcamp – https://hrafnablot.bandcamp.com/
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Hrafnablót was formed in Reykjavík, Iceland, in fall 2024 and channels the contrasting light and darkness of Icelandic magick, Sagas, and folklore. Their music merges heavy riffs, folk influences, haunting melodies, and both clean and harsh vocals, a sound deeply rooted in Icelandic myth and landscape.
Since forming, the band has become a striking presence in Iceland’s live scene, performing at Íslenski rokkbarinn, Lemmy, BIRD, and the Icelandic Sorcery Festival. Their shows are ritualistic experiences, rich with visuals, storytelling, and dramatic intensity.
Recommended for fans of Ensiferum, Nightwish, Wintersun, Skálmöld, and Eluveitie, “Guðlaugar Saga” will be available on all digital platforms on September 11th, 2026.
Previous Singles:
Music Video – “Svartigaldur” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDPpHb_Qf1s
Music Video – “Dísablót” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tI34l6OrGc
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Track Listing:
1. Spádómurinn – 1:49
2. Dísablót – 5:44
3. Heljarhlíð – 6:22
4. Kappar, Meyjar, Komendur – 1:22
5. Fögnuður – 5:41
6. Nornarheimt – 5:21
7. Svartigaldur – 5:17
8. Heimþrá – 4:59
9. Örlagavegur – 11:23
Album Length: 48:02
Band Line-up:
Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir – Vocals
Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson – Bass & Backing Vocals
Ólafur Daði Jónsson – Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Steingrímur Viðar Karlsson – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Andri Pétur Dalmar – Drums & Backing Vocals
Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir – Guitar
For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/hrafnablot/
https://www.instagram.com/hrafnablot
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“Iceland’s Hrafnablót and debut single ‘Svartigaldur’ a heavy piece of pagan folk metal; for the tale of a time traveller lashed to Viking mast accused of being a witch. With symphonic metal richness, black metal energy, traditional melodies, theatrical vocal harmonies and soaring, clean female vocals, it’s quite a ride!” – Loud Enough Magazine
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