Danish IOTUNN, have unleashed their massive new single “Mistland”. The single will feature in the highly expected second IOTUNN album planned to be released in 2024 through Metal Blade Records. The album was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren (AMON AMARTH, PARADISE LOST, KREATOR, ENSLAVED) and the cover artwork was created by acclaimed artist Costin Chioreanu.
“The theme of the song revolves around risking relationships to break free of the old ways and embrace new ideas and ‘progress’, for better or worse. This feeds into the general story and concept of the upcoming album, which deals with ancient peoples becoming aware of a ritual that can release them from their earthly form and allow them to seek new astral and spiritual horizons”, explains vocalist Jón Aldará.
” ‘Mistland’ is perhaps the most important song for me personally in the IOTUNN catalogue so far. Creatively it evolves from an idea of a song which I’ve had in my mind for years, and with ‘Mistland’ it finally became. After laying the foundation of the song, it took off with my brother and I working on it intensively for lots of time, and then with the whole band contributing to a truly inspirational circular creative matter.
‘Mistland’ is very personal to me because its sonic expressions reflect deep and sincere feelings derived from being alive. I find a melancholy that I see as part of all the experiences and feelings you can have throughout life. It is a melancholy which always give deeper and higher perspectives to whatever state of mind you are in. A true fellowship which can set you free or entangle you into something where you lose yourself”, added guitarist Jesper Gräs.
“For me, every IOTUNN song has its own personality; they’re all single individuals that gathers as a tribe of music. This tribe has now a new member that contributes with musical and existential themes that I believe are important. The lyrics and the music speak to me on several levels. When listening, I feel like I’m surrounded by mist and shadows but with a constant source of light being the ground beneath all grounds. For me, it’s a warm welcome to the tribe!”, said guitarist Jens Nicolai Gräs.
” ‘Mistland’ has this very large and open feeling. When I first heard the guitar arrangement, I immediately imagined large open drums, and also a call for contrast, with very dense atmospheric sections. I wanted to create a big dynamic difference between the parts while retaining a sense of majestic energy throughout. I really enjoy the way it turned out and I can’t wait for it to be released!”, added drummer Bjørn Wind Andersen.
” ‘Mistland’ seemed to almost appear out of nowhere. Jesper simply showed up at the rehearsal studio one day, struck by a muse, with a whole new song for us. Its simplicity is deceptive, and it is all too easy to get lost in the spaciousness. For me, it has been the most challenging Iotunn song yet. My contribution was to bring another layer to the soaring atmosphere with cinematic and synth-like bass chord layers. ‘Mistland’ has been a magical song to play live the last few months, and the audiences’ reactions have been fantastic. I can’t wait to bring it to the big stages on this year’s summer festivals!”, said bassist Eskil Rask.
You can listen to “Mistland” in the following video:
