windir

VREID and SÓLSTAFIR announce ‘Across’, a cinematic concert experience

Icelandic atmospheric rock ‘n’ rollers SÓLSTAFIR and Norwegian Sognametal brigade VREID have joined forces for a unique and spectacular event! On October 15, these legendary performers will unveil a collaborative concert stream in which they will transport viewers right from their living rooms to the breath-taking mountaintops of the bands’ respective homelands. The performance is free to watch, but generous fans may donate as they wish via VIPS and PayPal. The stream will air live at 3:00 P.M. EST // 19:00 GMT // 21:00 CET via the Season of Mist YouTube Channel and members from both bands will be in the chat!

Tune in on the stream HERE.

The ACROSS project is a cinematic experience that brings two unique artists together to share their cultural identities and bridge the sea between the two fjords. Spectacular views of the Storehogen Mountain in VREID’s hometown of Sogndal, Norway and of Hellisheiði in SÓLSTAFIR’s native Iceland lay the majestic backdrop for this one-of-a-kind, 90-minute long digital streaming event. Each band’s signature sound rings through the cavernous expanse, creating a symbiotic musical dialog that can be heard from across the globe.

SÓLSTAFIR‘s Aðalbjörn Tryggvason comments: “Playing live music in sideways rain on moss grown lava. They wanted something Icelandic. Doesn’t get any more Icelandic than this.”

VREID songwriter and bass player Jarle Kvåle adds: “SÓLSTAFIR‘s and VREID‘s stories are two parallel stories of the north. In this weird world, our paths have crossed on several occasions and this time they have merged into something new.  This is the third streaming event VREID has done, and in many ways, it represents the end of a trilogy for us. This time we have recorded the show in a place very special for us, probably the most monumental and iconic place of our beloved home region of Sogn. Join us as we go ‘Into the Mountains.’”

VREID will be heading out on a Norwegian tour in October / November 2021, with special guests DJERV and THE NEW DEATH CULT. SÓLSTAFIR have previously announced a lengthy European co-headlining tour with KATATONIA, early 2022. Find all confirmed shows below.

VREID
w/ DJERV and THE NEW DEATH CULT
22 Oct 21 Trondheim (NO) Byscenen
23 Oct 21 Oslo (NO) Parkteateret
29 Oct 21 Karmøy (NO) Arctic
30 Oct 21 Kristiansand (NO) Kick
05 Nov 21 Sogndal (NO) Meieriet
06 Nov 21 Hamar (NO) Gregers
07 Nov 21 Bodø (NO) Sinus

SÓLSTAFIR
w/ KATATONIA
21 Jan 22 Tullikamari (FI) Tampere
22 Jan 22 Kulttuuritalo (FI) Helsinki
23 Jan 22 Helitehas (EE ) Tallinn
25 Jan 22 Stodola (PL) Warsaw
26 Jan 22 Huxleys (DE) Berlin
27 Jan 22 Longhorn (DE) Stuttgart
28 Jan 22 Batschkapp (DE) Frankfurt
29 Jan 22 Roxy (CZ) Prague
30 Jan 22 Arena (AT) Vienna
01 Feb 22 Akvarium Klub (HU) Budapest
02 Feb 22 Backstage Werk (DE) Munich
03 Feb 22 Komplex 457 (CH) Zurich
04 Feb 22 Live Club (IT) Milan
05 Feb 22 Ninkasi Kao (FR) Lyon
07 Feb 22 Kapital (ES) Madrid

08 Feb 22 Apolo (ES) Barcelona
09 Feb 22 Metronum (FR) Toulouse
11 Feb 22 O2 Forum Kentish Town (UK) London
12 Feb 22 O2 Ritz (UK) Manchester
13 Feb 22 SWX (UK) Bristol
14 Feb 22 Garage (UK) Glasgow
15 Feb 22 KK’s Steelmill (UK) Wolverhampton
17 Feb 22 Rockhal (LU) Luxembourg
18 Feb 22 Patronaat (NL) Haarlem
19 Feb 22 Essigfabrik (DE) Cologne
20 Feb 22 Trianon (FR) Paris
22 Feb 22 Trix (BE) Antwerp
23 Feb 22 Gruenspan (DE) Hamburg
24 Feb 22 Amager bio (DK) Copenhagen
25 Feb 22 Rockefeller (NO) Oslo
26 Feb 22 Fållan (SE) Stockholm

WINDIR discography to be released on vinyl for the first time

For decades, fans have been asking for a vinyl release of the iconic and beloved WINDIR albums. On March 5, 2021, that dream will become a reality. The black metal classics ‘Soknardalr’, ‘Arntor’, ‘1184’ and ‘Likferd’, will be available in a special, limited edition wooden box released via Season of Mist. ‘The Sognametal Legacy’ box set is strictly limited to 1184 copies worldwide.

Pre-orders have started immediately and are available in the Season of Mist shop HERE. 

WINDIR was founded by Terje “Valfar” Bakken in 1994 and released four albums in the period of 1997 – 2003. The Norwegian band gained a massive following with their unique blend of black and heavy metal with elements of old Norwegian folk music. The identity of the group was strongly connected to their home region Sogn, which was demonstrated in the lyrics and in the concepts of the records. Eventually, they invented and adopted the term ‘Sognametal’ for their style.

The band ended abruptly when Terje “Valfar” Bakken died in 2004. The remaining musicians decided to disband WINDIR and formed VREID to march forward, bearing the torch of the Sognametal legacy.

Jarle Hváll Kvåle, bass guitarist and songwriter of VREID and WINDIR, comments on the release: “I am so happy that we are finally able to do this. There has been such a huge demand to release these albums on vinyl and I really have been looking forward to this day. These records are important cornerstones in our lives and represent a time that was very special to us. It is great to have a strong partner on board, and I am very proud that we can do this together with Season of Mist. 

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of ‘1184’, and we think this is a great occasion to celebrate this unique album, the most important one in the WINDIR history. With this record, WINDIR became a full band for the first time and it was the first time that me and Terje wrote an album together. It was a time filled with youthful will, aggression, pride, curiosity and of course beautiful naivety.

So, to celebrate this record and the period it represents, we’ll have the entire WINDIR legacy available on vinyl. I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copies and see no better way to celebrate the legacy and brotherhood of our fallen comrade Terje.”

Check the teaser for Sognametal legacy here :

Norwegian black ‘n roll formation VREID have furthermore announced that they will headline the Karmøygeddon festival, with an exclusive ‘1184’ show.
“‘1184’ is a very important album for us as a band and not least for me personally”, states songwriter and bassist Jarle Kvåle. This was the first album Terje and I wrote together. It was the first time that WINDIR became a complete band even though we had played concerts together since 1995 and had been making music together since 1993. It seems inconceivable that it has been 20 years but all the more enjoyable to see how much this record still means to people. We are really looking forward to gather the full band and perform the entire 1184 album at the Karmøygeddon Festival”.

Karmøygeddon will take place on May 6 – 8, 2021, in Kopervik, Norway. Find more information HERE.

Vreid release live video for “Milorg”

Norwegian Black & Roll veterans VREID are now premiering a live video for the song “Milorg”, which was recorded during the band’s unique livestream event, ‘In the Mountains of Sognametal’ in June.
In other news, the band has finished writing their 9th full-length album. The recordings will start in autumn, with the aim to release the new record in the first half of 2021 via Season of Mist.

VREID will also be on the frontline for reopening the concert scene in Norway. On August 15th, the Norwegian black ‘n rollers will perform a special show at the legendary Rockefeller venue in Oslo.  This will be the first metal show in the venue since the Covid-19 closure. On this night, VREID will also launch their first official beer crafted by the band’s guitarist Stian “Strom” Bakketeig and Balder Brewery. The show sold out immediately, and an extra show has been added.

Founder and bass player Jarle ‘Hváll’ Kvåle comments: “These are strange and weird times for everyone. For VREID, we have done as we always do, march onwards. I have been working hard on new material for the last months. I started working on new stuff in the last years, but in these past months things have fallen into place and we will go into the studio soon. I have such a great feeling about the new material, expect an early 2021 release and expect a dark and raw brew.

Talking about brew, in August we launch our own VREID Beer. It’s a cooperation with our local Balder Brewery and it’s crafted by our own beer wizard Stian. We’re launching the beer when we perform two shows at Rockefeller in Oslo, on August 15th. This will be the first metal show they do as part of their reopening and we can’t wait to get back out on that stage.

This week things are happening too, as we release a video from the streaming session we did at my mountain farm. The response was completely overwhelming, so we decided to release a video for the track “Milorg”. During autumn and winter we will have plenty of new an old:-) news for you all. Fingers crossed that we can return to touring in 2021. Stay strong, act reasonable and enjoy metal.”
VREID released their latest full length ‘Lifehunger’ in September 2018. Listen to the full album HERE. The artwork can be viewed below, together with the album details.
Track-list
1. Flowers & Blood (1:50)
2. One Hundred Years (5:39)
3. Lifehunger (5:36)
4. The Dead White (4:59)
5. Hello Darkness (4:39)
6. Black Rites in the Black Nights (6:26)
7. Sokrates Must Die (3:29)
8. Heimatt (6:01)
Total playing time: 38:39
VREID were formed in 2004. The Norwegian metal brigade rose from the ashes of WINDIR after the tragic perishing of the “Sognametal” legends with the declared mission of exploring new musical paths.
 
The Norsemen proved true to their words and have so far delivered 7 albums and one DVD, which each received high praise from critics and fans alike. VREID chose a course of constant evolution that is marked by thematically denoted phases regarding their often historically inspired lyrics.
 
This became particularly clear with albums ‘I Krig’ (2007) and ‘Milorg’ (2009), which both revolved around concepts dealing with resistance and liberation of Norway during World War II. With their following three records, VREID returned to their Norse roots, especially on latest full-length, ‘Sólverv’ which received high critical acclaim in 2015.
 
VREID have hammered out their success partly by being a heavily touring band. The four-piece performed more than 500 shows in 25 countries so far. Their everlasting march to conquer new territories has led the Norwegians to headline tours in Europe, North America, Japan, and India.
 
VREID‘s style is often referred to as black ‘n roll and Metal Hammer UK described their music as “a unique time travel in metal” as elements of 70’s rock, 80’s classic metal, and Norwegian black metal are all clearly audible.
 
Now with eighth album ‘Lifehunger’, black ‘n roll is back! With eight brand new tracks, VREID are ready for the next chapter.

 
www.facebook.com/vreidofficial
 
Line-up
Sture: Vocals & guitars
Strom: Guitars
Steingrim: Drums
Hváll- Bass and keys
 
Guest Musician
Aðalbjörn ‘Addi’ Tryggvason (SÓLSTAFIR): vocals on “Hello Darkness”
 
Recording: Nabolaget studio
Producer: Jarle Hváll Kvåle / Anders Nordengen
Mix: Anders Nordengen, Nabolaget studio
Mastering: Ruben Willem
 
Cover art: Remi Juliebø of Deformat

Vreid announce ‘In the Mountains of Sognametal’ Livestream

Norwegian Black & Roll veterans VREID have announced a unique livestream event, ‘In the Mountains of Sognametal’. With the world at a standstill and all shows for 2020 cancelled, VREID decided to open the gates and invite you all to their home mountains on the west coast of Norway. The band’s history reaches back to the mid 90s and this will be a journey through their musical history with a live session against a spectacular natural backdrop. 

Composer and bass player Jarle Hváll Kvålecomments: “The extreme nature and the history of our dear hometown Sogn has always been a huge inspiration and important factor of our musical universe. So, when we can’t travel the world to meet you, we decided that we will bring you all to our natural habitat. We will do a show at my own mountain farm in the Sogndal valley. It’s been in my family for generations and is located in some of Norway’s wildest and most spectacular nature. This is where a lot of our music is written, and this is where our roots lay. It surely will be a unique experience with a special setlist. We will perform songs that we have never done live before alongside live set classics. Welcome to the mountains of Sognametal.”

The show will be streamed at Saturday June 13th 2020 at 9.PM CEST via the Facebook page of Season of Mist, various partners and the band. The show is free of charge to watch, and you don’t have to register. If you want to support the band you can do so by donating the amount you want by Vipps or Paypal.

Vipps: 103006
Paypal: paypal.me/vreidofficial
VREID released their latest full length ‘Lifehunger’ in September 2018. Listen to the full album HERE. The artwork can be viewed below, together with the album details.
Track-list
1. Flowers & Blood (1:50)
2. One Hundred Years (5:39)
3. Lifehunger (5:36)
4. The Dead White (4:59)
5. Hello Darkness (4:39)
6. Black Rites in the Black Nights (6:26)
7. Sokrates Must Die (3:29)
8. Heimatt (6:01)
Total playing time: 38:39
VREID were formed in 2004. The Norwegian metal brigade rose from the ashes of WINDIR after the tragic perishing of the “Sognametal” legends with the declared mission of exploring new musical paths.
 
The Norsemen proved true to their words and have so far delivered 7 albums and one DVD, which each received high praise from critics and fans alike. VREID chose a course of constant evolution that is marked by thematically denoted phases regarding their often historically inspired lyrics.
 
This became particularly clear with albums ‘I Krig’ (2007) and ‘Milorg’ (2009), which both revolved around concepts dealing with resistance and liberation of Norway during World War II. With their following three records, VREID returned to their Norse roots, especially on latest full-length, ‘Sólverv’ which received high critical acclaim in 2015.
 
VREID have hammered out their success partly by being a heavily touring band. The four-piece performed more than 500 shows in 25 countries so far. Their everlasting march to conquer new territories has led the Norwegians to headline tours in Europe, North America, Japan, and India.
 
VREID‘s style is often referred to as black ‘n roll and Metal Hammer UK described their music as “a unique time travel in metal” as elements of 70’s rock, 80’s classic metal, and Norwegian black metal are all clearly audible.
 
Now with eighth album ‘Lifehunger’, black ‘n roll is back! With eight brand new tracks, VREID are ready for the next chapter.
 
 
www.facebook.com/vreidofficial
 
Line-up
Sture: Vocals & guitars
Strom: Guitars
Steingrim: Drums
Hváll- Bass and keys

Vreid participate in “Songs That Changed the World” project

Norwegian Black & Roll veterans VREID have announced their participation in the “Songs That Changed the World” project by the Nobel Peace Center and Inferno Metal Festival. The band will be commissioned to interpret and cover a song about freedom of expression. The song is yet to be determined. VREID will perform this special song and their own material during a show at the Nobel Peace Center on April 7, 2020.

Founder and bass player Hváll comments: “In VREID we have always been up for new challenges. It was therefore with huge excitement we took on this task when Inferno Metal Festival and Nobel Peace Center challenged us to do our interpretation of a song that changed the world. Freedom of speech has been relevant since the very beginning of rock, and is just as relevant and important today. A lot has changed since rock ‘n’ roll was new and rebellious in the 60s, but still today the freedom of speech are controversial and debated, so maybe the world has been at a stand still over the last 60 years. We are thankful for the engagement. VREID looks forward to dig deep into the rock history of many fantastic songs, and will be ready to perform our song at the Nobel Peace Center in April.”

More information on the Nobel Peace Center can be found HERE. Inferno Metal Festival will take place on April 9 – 12, in Oslo, Norway. Find more information on the festival HERE.
VREID released their latest full length ‘Lifehunger’ in September 2018. Listen to the full album HERE. The artwork can be viewed below, together with the album details.
Track-list
1. Flowers & Blood (1:50)
2. One Hundred Years (5:39)
3. Lifehunger (5:36)
4. The Dead White (4:59)
5. Hello Darkness (4:39)
6. Black Rites in the Black Nights (6:26)
7. Sokrates Must Die (3:29)
8. Heimatt (6:01)
Total playing time: 38:39
VREID were formed in 2004. The Norwegian metal brigade rose from the ashes of WINDIR after the tragic perishing of the “Sognametal” legends with the declared mission of exploring new musical paths.

The Norsemen proved true to their words and have so far delivered 7 albums and one DVD, which each received high praise from critics and fans alike. VREID chose a course of constant evolution that is marked by thematically denoted phases regarding their often historically inspired lyrics.
 
This became particularly clear with albums ‘I Krig’ (2007) and ‘Milorg’ (2009), which both revolved around concepts dealing with resistance and liberation of Norway during World War II. With their following three records, VREID returned to their Norse roots, especially on latest full-length, ‘Sólverv’ which received high critical acclaim in 2015.
 
VREID have hammered out their success partly by being a heavily touring band. The four-piece performed more than 500 shows in 25 countries so far. Their everlasting march to conquer new territories has led the Norwegians to headline tours in Europe, North America, Japan, and India.
 
VREID‘s style is often referred to as black ‘n roll and Metal Hammer UK described their music as “a unique time travel in metal” as elements of 70’s rock, 80’s classic metal, and Norwegian black metal are all clearly audible.
 
Now with eighth album ‘Lifehunger’, black ‘n roll is back! With eight brand new tracks, VREID are ready for the next chapter.
 
www.facebook.com/vreidofficial
 
Line-up
Sture: Vocals & guitars
Strom: Guitars
Steingrim: Drums
Hváll- Bass and keys