Keldian

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Keldian is a Norwegian symphonic power metal band from Aurland, in Sogn og Fjordane. Formed in 2005, it is mainly a studio project where Christer Andresen and Arild Aardalen write, produce, and perform the music with help from session musicians. The band’s debut album, Heaven’s Gate, was released in 2007 on Perris Records and blends 1980s melodic rock with modern power and symphonic metal. Popular songs from the album include “Sundancer” and “Redshift.” The name Keldian comes from the Old Norse kelde, meaning outspring or source, reflecting the band’s science-fiction, spiritual, and philosophical influences.

In 2008, Keldian released a second album, Journey of Souls, also on Perris Records, which earned praise for its originality and thoughtful lyrics such as in the war epic “Memento Mori.” After leaving Perris Records, the band built its own studio and launched Galactic Butterfly Music, distributing music directly to fans and regaining the rights to the first two albums.

The third album, Outbound, was funded through an Indiegogo campaign and released on October 31, 2013. Drummer Jørn Steingrim Holen has been a frequent collaborator, recording on many of their projects. Work began on a fourth album in 2015, with Holen again recording drums. In 2017, Keldian released Darkness and Light, preceded by the single “Blood Red Dawn” and followed by the album on October 27, 2017.

In June 2022, Keldian released a fifth album, The Bloodwater Rebellion, focusing on themes of environmental exploitation and resistance. The band has not pursued extensive live performances, prioritizing the creation of new albums. All music is available through Galactic Butterfly Music and the band’s store, with more information at keldian.com.