Review by Saxy S for Vreid - The Skies Turn Black (2026)

Vreid are a long running Nordic Black & Roll band and The Skies Turn Black is the bands tenth(!) studio album. Now, going into this album, my experience with Black & Roll has been decidedly minimal. I think I reviewed an early Kvelertak album many years ago and left my exploration of the genre at that, thinking that it was cool in concept, but maybe not so much in execution (the language barrier may have also played a crucial role). Well I would never have guessed this group, unbeknownst to me and, surprisingly, most of Metal Academy's regulars, made something of this quality two decades into their career.

What I enjoy most about The Skies Turn Black is the heavy Ghost influence. Now I know in many metal circles, admitting you like Ghost is worthy of excommunication, but I stopped giving a shit what the metalcore kids think is cool a long time ago and I think Ghost is awesome, and it seems like Vreid think Ghost are awesome too! The guitar riffs sound taken straight out from a record like Meliora. The heavier touches are added tastefully as to not entirely squash the catchy riffs. And the vocals have a touch of intensity to them that could never be replicated by Tobias Forge in the AOR sphere. The Skies Turn Black adds enough texture from the complimentary instruments (strings, synthesizers, etc.) to give it something closer to gothic rock. And the guest vocals from Djerv on "Loving the Dead" are such a beacon of light around the heavier "A Second Death" and "Build & Destroy" (although I personally think the the promotional single version of "Loving the Dead" is much better).

As Ghost moves further away from the heaviest sounds on Opus Eponymous and Meliora, and more towards the headliner stage, it left a void in my heart for heavy textures, with that arena rock appeal. Vreid hit the mark well on The Skies Turn Black.

Best Songs: The Skies Turn Black, Loving the Dead, Chaos, The Earth Rumbles

For Fans Of: early Ghost, Enslaved, Mork