Kvelertak have shared a second track from their upcoming new album Splid, which is set for release on February 14th via Rise Records. “Crack Of Doom” features Troy Sanders (Mastodon) and is one of the first songs performed by the band in English.
The group have also released the official video for the track. The video is directed by the award winning and renowned Norwegian stills photographer and music video director Stian Andersen. Stian has been a part of the Kvelertak circle for many years, having also directed their previous videos for “Kvelertak” and “Bronsegud”.
Watch the video below.
Kvelertak comment, “Ever heard of the Maya Apocalypse? Johannes Stöffler? Harold Camping? Are you afraid that the religious leaders, scientists, or the doomsday preachers may be right? Have no fear! They were all wrong. But now, Kvelertak has come to prophesize Ragnarok, straight into your heart and soul. The Crack of Doom shines on us all!”
About Troy Sanders (Mastodon) being featured on ‘Crack of Doom’, they add, “We sent Troy a demo of the song because there were a couple of parts we felt would fit his voice very well and lift the song. Luckily he liked the track and was keen to do it. He got some scratch vocal tracks and some guidelines but was free to do it however he wanted. What we got back was even better than what we could hope for. We’re extremely proud to have him featured on this song, and with Troy being American it felt natural to just do the whole thing in English.”
Regarding the official video, Stian and Lars state, “It has been an amazing experience and a privilege to assist in the baptism of Ivar Nikolaisen into the ranks of the band, and putting him through the torturous conditions of ice bathing in sub-zero temperatures, setting him on fire, galloping through the forest shirtless mid-winter, or hanging him upside down from a tree.”
Splid is the first new album since 2016’s Nattesferd and is also the recorded debut of their new singer, Ivar Nikolaisen, who joined the group in 2018. The album was recorded with Kurt Ballou (Converge, Code Orange, Zeal & Ardor, Every Time I Die, Dillinger Escape Plan, High On Fire) at Godcity Studio in Salem, Massachusetts.
The band said, “‘Splid’ (‘discord’ in English) is a deep dive into western gluttony, our own stupidity, and the abyss of the earth. Working with Kurt again has been amazing and we’re extremely happy with the production. We’ve pushed ourselves to the edge this last year – musically, physically, and mentally. The result is one hour of catchy riffs, punk rock, and heavy metal influenced by a world in discord to accompany our way towards Ragnarok.“