Solefald

The Profile

Solefald is a Norwegian avant‑garde black metal duo formed in 1995 by Cornelius Jakhelln and Lars “Lazare” Nedland. Debuting with The Linear Scaffold (1997), they became known for genre‑blending, multilingual lyrics and conceptual albums, including the two‑part Icelandic Odyssey (2005–2006) and Norrøn Livskunst (2010). Later releases include World Metal. Kosmopolis Sud (2015).

Members: Cornelius Jakhelln and Lars “Lazare” Nedland (also associated with Borknagar). Style: avant‑garde/black metal with jazz, folk and electronic elements; frequent use of sax, organ and complex vocal arrangements. Themes include literature and Norse/Icelandic lore; lyrics often in multiple languages.

DeBaser’s seven reviews paint Solefald as a fiercely experimental Norwegian duo fusing black metal with jazz, folk, hard rock and electronics. Critics praise their conceptual depth (the Icelandic Odyssey), multilingual lyrics and daring vocal/arrangement choices. The Linear Scaffold and In Harmonia Universali stand out, while Norrøn Livskunst is hailed as a late-career pinnacle. Overall sentiment: admiring and impressed.