Behind The Tracks: Kaldvard - Kong Vidar (Single) (2026)

Kaldvard is a melodic black metal band from Bergen, Norway, founded in 2017 by guitarist and songwriter Kim-André Kårdal. Shortly after recording the band's first demo, vocalist Jan Magne Sollesnes-Hansen (formerly of Gravdal) joined the project. Since then, Kaldvard has released one single, one EP, and two full-length albums.

Now the band enters a new chapter with the upcoming single "Kong Vidar", the first release leading up to a brand-new EP later this year. Musically and production-wise, it represents Kaldvard's most ambitious work to date.

CREDITS

Kim-André Kårdal aka Kaldr – Guitars, bass, composer, arranger, producer, mixing, and artwork

Jan Magne Sollesnes-Hanssen, aka Galge – Vocals, lyrics, and vocal arrangements

Silje Solberg – Hardanger fiddle

Henrik Nesse – Drums

Egill Wessel Nyheim – Mastering and production consultancy

ABOUT THE SONG

"Kong Vidar" is built around an intensely personal story that many people, unfortunately, can relate to.

On December 23rd, 2024, vocalist Jan Magne Sollesnes-Hansen suddenly lost his father. At the time, Kaldvard had no new material in progress, but as time passed, grief, frustration, and anger gradually found their way into music. That emotional journey became the foundation of "Kong Vidar."

The song is written as an emotional journey through grief, reflecting the constant shifts between calmness, despair, anger, determination, hope, and acceptance. Both the lyrics and the music are carefully composed to mirror these emotional states, allowing the atmosphere to evolve naturally throughout the song. More than anything, "Kong Vidar" is intended to create an emotional connection and leave the listener with something to reflect upon.

While deeply personal, the song is also dedicated to everyone who has experienced the loss of someone close.

Both Jan Magne and his late father have long-standing ties to Nordnesbataljonen, one of Bergen's traditional Buekorps organizations. As a tribute, the introduction features a rhythmic interpretation of the historic "Nordnæsmarsjen", creating a subtle but meaningful connection between the music and the person the song honours.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR KALDVARD

"Kong Vidar" features collaborations with two highly respected Norwegian musicians who have helped elevate the song to a level Kaldvard could only dream of a few years ago. Hardanger fiddle player Silje Solberg, known for her work with Wardruna, Hugsjá, and Whispering Void, adds a unique Nordic atmosphere that became an essential part of the song's identity.

The single also marks another important milestone for the band: this is the very first Kaldvard release featuring a live drummer. Henrik Nesse, known from Skuld, Nifrost, and Drittmaskin, recorded the drums in May, bringing a level of energy, dynamics, and authenticity that transformed the entire production.

The final mix was completed by Kim-André Kårdal, while Egill Wessel Nyheim handled mastering and provided valuable production feedback throughout the final stages of the project.

For Kaldvard, "Kong Vidar" represents a significant step forward. It is without question the band's most ambitious and carefully crafted release so far, both musically and in terms of production. Every contributor has played an important role in shaping the final result, and together they have created something that exceeded the band's own expectations.

More than just another single, "Kong Vidar" stands as a tribute, a personal journey through grief, and a reminder that music can give voice to emotions that words alone often cannot express.

Support independent metal journalism — Visit the official BTC store