Today, Norwegian metal pioneers, Vreid, unleash their new single, “Loving The Dead,” featuring Djerv and Jackass icon Chris Pontius, taken from their upcoming album The Skies Turn Black, set for release on March 6 via Indie Recordings.
Some collaborations feel inevitable only in hindsight. A chance meeting, a shared fascination with the darker corners of art and culture, and a willingness to push beyond expectations have converged in “Loving The Dead,” resulting in one of the most unexpected metal collaborations of the year.
The accompanying music video, directed by Ulvar Gansum and filmed inside a church in Oslo, blurs the line between music video and psychological short film. Serving as the final single ahead of The Skies Turn Black, the track merges Vreid’s raw, atmospheric sound with the haunting intensity of Djerv vocalist Agnete Kjølsrud.
The video follows Pontius’ character as he drifts from the chaos of a bar into a ritual-like world, drawn forward by Kjølsrud’s almost siren-like presence. Surrounded by masked figures, he is slowly transformed, eventually embracing the darkness and becoming part of it himself.
“We wanted to create something cinematic and unexpected,” says Vreid’s Jarle Kvåle. “Not just a performance video, but a visual journey.”
Pontius’ presence adds an unusual but natural crossover. Known globally for chaotic humor, he brings vulnerability and discomfort to the role, creating a striking contrast to both his public persona and the ritualistic setting.
“It didn’t feel strange at all,” Pontius says about his performance. “It felt natural.”
Rather than a traditional guest appearance, the collaboration feels like a shared descent into the same shadowy landscape.
Co-written and featuring vocals performed by Kjølsrud, “Loving The Dead” invites interpretation rather than explanation. The lyrics move through a surreal inner world where darkness and destructive self-talk dominate, touching on the moment when resistance gives way to survival instinct. Even so, a quiet counterweight runs through the song. Love is still present, just harder to see.
Inspired in part by Vreid and Djerv’s shared fascination with David Lynch’s universe, the song is designed to leave space for the listener to create their own meaning.
Stream/download “Loving The Dead” (feat. Djerv & Chris Pontius) here. Watch the video below:
Vreid describes the creation of the upcoming album, The Skies Turn Black, as one of the most demanding, yet rewarding, processes in their history as a band. What began with inspiration shifted into a difficult period where communication and direction faltered. Through persistence and recalibration, the band emerged with eleven songs that reflect both struggle and artistic renewal.
Five years after their previous album, Vreid stand firmly behind the new material. They highlight the strength of the songwriting, the production shaped together with producer Anders Nordengen, and the handcrafted artwork by Kim Holm. Most importantly, the band feels they have created an album that represents some of their finest work and a meaningful evolution in their long career.
The Skies Turn Black arrives on March 6, as Vreid prepares to bring their new material back to European stages. In 2026, the band will join Hypocrisy, Abbath and Vomitory for a major European tour that will take their signature sound to many of the continent’s most celebrated metal cities.
The album is available for pre-order here.
Tracklisting:
“From These Woods”
“The Skies Turn Black”
“A Second Death”
“Kraken”
“Loving The Dead”
“Build & Destroy”
“Chaos”
“Flammen”
“Smile Of Hate”
“Echoes Of Life”
“The Earth Rumbles”
“Kraken” video:
“From These Woods” video:
(Photo – Håvard Nesbø)
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