DARKTHRONE's TED 'NOCTURNO CULTO' SKJELLUM Says His New Band AVRAK Will Release Debut Album This Fall

Why It Matters

AVRAK expands Skjellum’s artistic reach beyond black metal, tapping into the resurging appetite for retro‑styled heavy metal and diversifying revenue streams for veteran artists.

Key Takeaways

• AVRAK debut live in Norway April with Kråbøl brothers
• Ted Skjellum and Anders Hegna recorded album February
• AVRAK album slated for autumn release, blending metal and hard rock
• Project showcases Skjellum's shift from black metal to classic 80s metal

Pulse Analysis

Darkthrone has long been a cornerstone of Norway’s black‑metal export, influencing generations of extreme music fans worldwide. As the duo’s catalog ages, frontman Ted “Nocturno Culto” Skjellum is leveraging his legacy to explore new commercial avenues, a trend common among legacy acts seeking relevance in streaming‑driven markets. By launching AVRAK, Skjellum taps into a niche yet growing segment of listeners who crave the nostalgic sound of 1980s heavy metal, a genre that has seen a resurgence on platforms like Spotify and YouTube through curated playlists and retro‑themed festivals.

AVRAK’s formation is rooted in a spontaneous five‑day cabin retreat where Skjellum and longtime collaborator Anders Hegna fused their distinct guitar styles—Skjellum’s metal‑leaning tone with Hegna’s classic rock edge. The lineup, bolstered by the Kråbøl brothers on rhythm section, recorded the album in February, emphasizing meticulous arrangements and a blend of chaotic energy with melodic hooks. The project deliberately distances itself from Darkthrone’s black‑metal aesthetic, opting for a cleaner, hard‑rock production that still nods to doom and black‑metal textures, positioning the album as a crossover that can attract both longtime fans and newcomers.

From a business perspective, AVRAK’s autumn release offers multiple revenue streams: physical vinyl editions for collectors, digital sales, and a touring schedule that can capitalize on festival slots dedicated to classic metal revivals. The live debut in April already generated buzz in the Scandinavian metal circuit, suggesting strong ticket‑sale potential. Moreover, the project’s cross‑genre appeal may open licensing opportunities for film, TV, and video games seeking authentic 80s‑style metal tracks, further extending the financial upside for Skjellum’s brand beyond the traditional black‑metal niche.