Today, Norwegian metal pioneers, Vreid, unleash their new single, \u201cLoving The Dead,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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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 \u201cLoving The Dead,\u201d resulting in one of the most unexpected metal collaborations of the year.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s raw, atmospheric sound with the haunting intensity of Djerv vocalist Agnete Kj\u00f8lsrud.<\/p>\n
The video follows Pontius\u2019 character as he drifts from the chaos of a bar into a ritual-like world, drawn forward by Kj\u00f8lsrud\u2019s almost siren-like presence. Surrounded by masked figures, he is slowly transformed, eventually embracing the darkness and becoming part of it himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to create something cinematic and unexpected,\u201d says Vreid\u2019s Jarle Kv\u00e5le. \u201cNot just a performance video, but a visual journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pontius\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt didn\u2019t feel strange at all,\u201d Pontius says about his performance. \u201cIt felt natural.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rather than a traditional guest appearance, the collaboration feels like a shared descent into the same shadowy landscape.<\/p>\n
Co-written and featuring vocals performed by Kj\u00f8lsrud, \u201cLoving The Dead\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Inspired in part by Vreid and Djerv\u2019s shared fascination with David Lynch\u2019s universe, the song is designed to leave space for the listener to create their own meaning.<\/p>\n
Stream\/download \u201cLoving The Dead\u201d (feat. Djerv & Chris Pontius) here<\/a>. Watch the video below:<\/p>\n