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STORMKEEP Unveil New Video: “The Black Dragons Of Iswylm” Now Available
The Black Dragons Of Iswylm
Denver-based symphonic black metal outfit STORMKEEP has delivered a striking new visual piece ahead of their highly anticipated forthcoming album. The clip for “The Black Dragons Of Iswylm” arrives as a powerful showcase leading into the band’s upcoming second full-length, The Nocturnes Of Iswylm.
Serving as one of the standout tracks from the record, the video moves beyond the confines of a standard performance recording, instead embracing a cinematic framework that places visual storytelling at its core. At the helm of the project is director Michael Ragen, a figure already known for his standout contributions to the heavy music landscape. His cinematic sensibility—particularly recognized through his acclaimed long-form visual work for Blood Incantation—lends the new STORMKEEP video a dense and immersive atmosphere.
The clip marks a clear departure from the band’s previously established visual aesthetic, opening up the world of Iswylm through a more tangible and darker narrative lens. Its visual language generates a strong sense of mythology fused with fantastical elements, constructing a cohesive world that visually amplifies the epic scope of the music itself. As such, the work functions not merely as an accompanying video, but as an independent extension of the album’s narrative universe.
One of the most notable aspects of the video is the direct integration of the band members into the story. Rather than existing solely as performers, the musicians are positioned as characters within the constructed mythos. This approach further intertwines STORMKEEP’s musical identity with its narrative framework, pushing the project toward a more unified conceptual vision.
On the album front, The Nocturnes Of Iswylm unfolds with a noticeably more layered and expansive narrative language compared to the band’s earlier work. Contributions from Michael Zech during production, alongside mastering by Arthur Rizk, emphasize both clarity and depth across the recording. Meanwhile, artwork from Simon Bisley and Valnoir plays a crucial role in reinforcing the album’s dark, immersive atmosphere.
The Nocturnes Of Iswylm is set for release on June 12 via Metal Blade Records in collaboration with Vesperian GmbH. Arriving just two days before the album’s release, the video stands as a potent signal flare marking STORMKEEP’s entry into a new artistic chapter.
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