SKÁLD: myth and ritual brought to life
Opening the evening for The HU were SKÁLD, a band whose music draws on Norse mythology and the musical traditions of the Viking Age. Their performance created a mystical atmosphere that felt far removed not just from a conventional concert, but from modern music altogether.
The French Nordic folk collective formed in 2018 around producer Christophe Voisin-Boisvinet. They sing largely in traditional Nordic languages and use ancient instruments such as the nyckelharpa, lyre and talharpa alongside shamanic percussion. As an opening act they suited the evening perfectly, arriving from a different corner of the old world with the same instinct for myth and ritual. The set began on a barely lit stage in blue light, almost in darkness. Gradually some light was added, but the mood stayed mystical.
From the opening moments, the combination of pounding drums, layered vocals and traditional instrumentation created an almost ritualistic experience. Every drumbeat seemed to resonate through the venue, while the chanting and harmonies filled the room with an intensity that was as physical as it was atmospheric.
SKÁLD gradually drew the audience into their musical world with tracks such as “Ó Valhalla”, “Hross”, “Draumakona” and “Grótti”.
The performance was one of a kind experience with no familiar structures or instantly recognisable sounds. SKÁLD relied on atmosphere, rhythm and vocal power rather than conventional rock-show theatrics, and the result was captivating.
By the time the set reached its closing stretch, the band had created an experience that felt almost timeless. SKÁLD were far more than an opening act; they set the tone for an evening in which tradition and contemporary heavy music met on equal terms.
The 45 minutes set came with a bit of photographic challenge during the standard first three songs time frame, but managed to capture enough frames to hint on the mood of the music.
Accreditation: FKP Scorpio
