Icelandic sorcerous folk metal band HRAFNABLÓT have undergone a lineup change following the release of their debut full-length, “Guðlaugar Saga.” The band have parted ways with guitarist Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir and drummer Andri Pétur Dalmar, bringing in Þorsteinn Steinberg Allansson and Kristinn Bergsson to fill their respective positions.

Released on September 11, 2026, “Guðlaugar Saga” marks the first full-length in HRAFNABLÓT’s journey, which began in late 2024. The band are now preparing to take the album to the stage with their new lineup. HRAFNABLÓT thanked Jóhannsdóttir and Dalmar for their contributions and wished them well in their future endeavors as the band moves into its next live-performance chapter.

HRAFNABLÓT’s musical approach on the album brings together the contrasts between darkness and light found in Icelandic folklore and sagas through heavy riffs, folk instrumentation, haunting melodies, and clean and harsh vocals. The band describe this approach as “sorcerous folk metal,” while also citing Nordic folk metal, NWOBHM, gothic, and various extreme metal genres among their influences.

At the heart of “Guðlaugar Saga” is the story of Guðlaug, a woman who is pulled back through time. Transported from the present day to Iceland’s settlement age, the character moves through a narrative shaped by prophecy, ritual, battle, abduction, and a longing to return home. Comprising seven songs and two spoken-word sections, the concept album begins with “Spádómurinn” and concludes with the more than 11-minute “Örlagavegur.”

The album also explores different musical directions across its tracks. “Heljarhlíð” brings melodic death metal intensity into focus with dual vocals, while “Fögnuður” takes a more celebratory approach rooted in folk metal. “Svartigaldur,” meanwhile, reworks an old Icelandic folk melody through a metallized sea shanty approach. The album’s longest track, “Örlagavegur,” carries Guðlaug’s story toward its climax through shifting meters.

HRAFNABLÓT state that they aimed to maintain a cohesive narrative throughout the album from the outset, combining elements of Icelandic magick, history, and culture with its musical framework. The band position the debut’s musical identity at the intersection of Nordic folk metal, NWOBHM, and various gothic and extreme metal influences.

Previously released music videos for “Dísablót,” “Heljarhlíð,” and “Svartigaldur” have accompanied “Guðlaugar Saga,” which is now available on digital platforms as well as CD and vinyl.

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Physical editions and other release options for the album are available through HRAFNABLÓT’s official release page, Bandcamp, and Spotify.

“Guðlaugar Saga” Track Listing:

  1. ‘Spádómurinn’ – 1:49

  2. ‘Dísablót’ – 5:44

  3. ‘Heljarhlíð’ – 6:22

  4. ‘Kappar, Meyjar, Komendur’ – 1:22

  5. ‘Fögnuður’ – 5:41

  6. ‘Nornarheimt’ – 5:21

  7. ‘Svartigaldur’ – 5:17

  8. ‘Heimþrá’ – 4:59

  9. ‘Örlagavegur’ – 11:23

The album has a total running time of 48:02. HRAFNABLÓT’s current lineup features Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir (vocals), Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson (bass, backing vocals), Ólafur Daði Jónsson (keyboards, backing vocals), Steingrímur Viðar Karlsson (guitar, backing vocals), Þorsteinn Steinberg Allansson (guitar), and Kristinn Bergsson (drums).