The experimental project HOLISSSTIK, led by Norwegian musician and producer Tor-Helge Skei, has released its new single “Would You Take This Heart” ahead of Chapter 1: This Endless Solitude, the opening chapter of the band’s first album trilogy. Shaped at the intersection of metal, electronic music, ambient textures, and dark atmospheres, the track reveals the project’s boundless musical vision.

Known for his work with projects such as Manes and Lethe, Skei is embarking on one of the most expansive and unrestricted creative processes of his career with HOLISSSTIK. By bringing together archived recordings, new compositions, and contributions from musicians across different parts of the world, the project aims to create a more holistic and experimental sound world that exists beyond traditional genre boundaries.

“Would You Take This Heart” initially emerged as a simple, slow-paced ambient piece, but gradually evolved into a denser, darker, and more layered composition through the contributions of various musicians. Electronic textures, heavy drums, industrial guitar tones, and mystical vocal passages come together to create HOLISSSTIK’s distinctive atmosphere.

Reflecting on the creation process behind the track, Skei emphasizes that collaboration lies at the core of the project. According to the artist, HOLISSSTIK is not shaped by a single individual’s vision, but rather emerges as a collective musical organism formed through the convergence of different creative perspectives.

On the new single, Skei is joined by both longtime collaborators and new creative partners. Martyna Halas enhances the track’s emotional intensity with her vocals, while Tor-Arne Helgesen’s drumming and Eivind Fjøseide’s guitar contributions reinforce its dark sonic structure. Stig Waltoft, Trond Johansen, and the traditional vocal contributions of Paritta monks further add another dimension to the track’s experimental character.

HOLISSSTIK’s debut album, Chapter 1: This Endless Solitude, will be released on August 14, 2026 via Season of Mist. Recorded and produced by Tor-Helge Skei at Cernobyl Audiogenics in Trondheim, Norway, the album was mastered by Knut V. Prytz. The artwork was created by Adrien Bousson.

Consisting of eight tracks and spanning approximately 46 minutes, the album invites listeners on a cinematic journey through solitude, inner conflicts, and dark atmospheric landscapes. Moving away from the aggressive boundaries of metal while embracing the cold textures of electronic music and the depth of ambient soundscapes, HOLISSSTIK stands as a bold new reflection of Tor-Helge Skei’s ongoing musical explorations.

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HOLISSSTIK – “Chapter 1: This Endless Solitude” Tracklist

  1. The Rhythm of Silence

  2. My Salvation

  3. Projections

  4. Obsession Six

  5. Reoccuring Dreams

  6. Would You Take This Heart

  7. Behind Me

  8. This Endless Solitude

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