February 1, 2022 — We are already a month into the new year and artists slinging neofolk and metal have already proven they aim to give their all in the current sun orbit. The previous ‘Fullmoon Fortnight’ was brimming with great songs, and we are delighted to report the new moon is shining just as brightly with new releases by Wardruna, Bjarla, Dreyma, Faun, and more.
January 29, 2022 — God of War: Ragnarok is the follow-up to the 2018 reboot that was also inspired by the Norse sagas (albeit a far cry from being either historically or mythologically accurate.) Scheduled to come out in 2022, Ragnarok is in development at Sony Santa Monica, the studio that originated the massively popular series on PlayStation 2 in 2005. FULL STORY »
January 27, 2022 — It has been a full 48 years since the original publishing of the role-playing, tabletop masterpiece Dungeons & Dragons. In that rather tumultuous half-century, the much-loved franchise has seen countless reimaginings — from various tabletop editions and spinoffs to video games and films.
January 22, 2022 — The hour of the wolf is upon us with Swedish black metal outfit Ereb Altor’s latest. Epic riffs and synth follow the deep choral chants of Vargtimman (“The Hour of the Wolf”), evoking all the grimness of black metal, but leaning into modern power metal fare and Norse myth with its soaring peaks and deep troughs, filled with low chugging bass and satisfyingly sinister drum fills on opener ‘I Have The Sky’.
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January 18, 2022 — The Settlers is a series that is among the city-building and strategy greats with a rich and storied history but has not yet enjoyed the reboot and renaissance that other franchises have enjoyed in recent years. That is, at least, until now as Ubisoft has announced The Settlers, a soft reboot of sorts for the series.
January 16, 2022 — The Kurgan is proud to premiere our first bi-weekly ‘Full Moon’ roundup series that replaces the weekly updates of 2021. The new year started off jam-packed with interesting releases in metal, hard rock, and neofolk. Leading up to the full moon, artists like Sun and Moon Dance, Sowulo, Sabaton, Heldom, and The Hellacopters, and more, ensured a steady stream of new releases. FULL STORY »
January 6, 2022 — Einar Selvik is a name any folk music household should know, a multi-instrumentalist, probably best known for his work in Wardruna. Leaving the world of the artist-driven music industry, Selvik as of late has found himself composing soundtracks for Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla?
December 29, 2021 — PlayStation’s Shadow of the Colossus broke ground in 2005 and again with its 2018 remake. No Matter Studios is a three-person team of game development veterans who had been making Praey for the Gods, an open-world survival twist on the same boss climbing fighter as Shadow. After years of development, Praey has finally arrived.
December 26, 2021 — The year may be coming to a close, but that does not mean the distinct sounds of neofolk and folk metal will be taking a break. We were expecting another slow week as this is our final weekly roundup for the year, but lo and behold, we were greeted by a myriad of releases that provide all sorts of galder-chants and metal-making rune magic.
December 19, 2021 — Kurgan readers may be disappointed by the lack of representation from the metal genre this week. However, they need not fret as fresh folk releases showcase the strength and beauty that can be found in traditional sounds. World-famous Celtic composer Adrian Von Ziegler dropped a new compilation record, Draugablíkk teased a Winter Solstice track, and singles from Bobby Sant, Bjorth, and Faun were released.
December 16, 2021 — Ubisoft recently unveiled the next major expansion for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. A new cinematic trailer gives players a sneak peek of what awaits in Svartalfheim. Expect new foes of frost and flame, to divine powers at your beck and call, the ‘Dawn of Ragnarök’ DLC looks to be something truly spectacular.
December 12, 2021 — There’s nothing quite like kicking back with a Yuletide drink and the intoxicating sounds of neofolk. Well, unless you are fueling your day with a jolt of caffeine and folk metal — either way, this week’s roundup is brimming with audio choices to accompany either scenario. Artists like Sowulo and Hellung topped the media circuit this week as new albums, new tracks, and even exciting new announcements gave neofolk fans something to revel over.
December 9, 2021 — Kingdom Two Crowns expansion Norse Lands adds an entirely new campaign, which is being touted as its first “premium” add-on scenario. The DLC takes heavy inspiration from its namesake, revamping existing game mechanics to fit the Scandinavian setting. Players can look forward to unleashing abilities via the Norse gods, commanding mighty units, and Viking-inspired armaments.
December 5, 2021 — This week’s roundup is absolutely jam-packed with great music from fantastic artists. Featuring singles from Faun and Bjarla, a three-track sampler for the upcoming album by Sun and Moon Dance, and the new albums released by Erdling and Gåte. Whether you prefer metal or folk, there’s more than enough to whet your appetite.
December 3, 2021 — Behind every good video game is typically a soundtrack that helps fuel the epic conflict unfolding on screen. Kurgan-resident James Paterson recently caught up with Stephanie Economou, the composer behind the 14-piece soundtrack for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: The Siege of Paris that was released in August.
November 28, 2021 — Kurgan Compass™ listeners can rejoice for this week’s roundup as we have been blessed with a wide range of music from a variety of folk artists. From the traditional elements of Danheim’s new single ‘Tivar’ (“Gods” in Old Norse) to more experimental tracks like Errrilaz ‘Valhalla’, this roundup is a smorgasbord of hypnotic songs inspired by ages past.
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