Side Projects and Second Acts: Darkthrone's Ted Skjellum Forms New Band While Metal Veterans Navigate Career Transitions
The heavy music landscape continues to evolve as established artists branch out into new creative territories, with Norwegian black metal legend Ted "Nocturno Culto" Skjellum of Darkthrone announcing his new heavy rock project AVRAK will release its debut album this fall. The development highlights a broader trend of veteran musicians exploring different sonic territories while younger acts return to prominence after extended absences.
Speaking in a recent interview, Skjellum revealed details about AVRAK, which pairs him with Anders Hegna of NØD, EL KAYENNE and SVIDD GREVLING. The duo made their live debut this past April in Norway, backed by the Kråbøl brothers. This marks a significant departure from Darkthrone's raw black metal sound, suggesting the project will explore more traditional heavy rock territories.
Canadian Pioneers Return to American Stages
Meanwhile, Canadian heavy music pioneers Kittie have launched their first full North American headlining tour in over a decade, with fan-filmed footage from their intimate Los Angeles concert at the Echoplex capturing the band's return to form. The performance represents a significant moment for a group that helped define early 2000s heavy music, particularly in terms of female representation in metal.
The timing of Kittie's return coincides with renewed interest in the nu-metal and alternative metal sounds that dominated American radio in the early 2000s. Their Los Angeles show, described as "intimate," suggests a strategic approach to rebuilding their audience base in key markets across the United States. The band's decade-long absence from major touring makes this return particularly noteworthy for fans who came of age during metal's mainstream peak.
Post-Hardcore Legends Reflect on Past Upheavals
The complexities of band dynamics and creative partnerships have come into sharp focus with revelations from Jim Ward regarding his departure from influential post-hardcore act At The Drive-In. Ward's candid admission that "even if all five of us talked about it, I'm not sure we'd understand what happened" when discussing his firing reveals the often murky nature of creative partnerships under pressure.
Despite past conflicts with Omar and Cedric, Ward's statement that he would "be on the first plane" if either needed medical help demonstrates the complex emotional bonds that persist even after professional relationships dissolve. This perspective offers insight into the human dynamics behind some of the most influential American underground music of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Career Transitions Beyond Music
Perhaps the most dramatic career pivot comes from Alex Varkatzas, former frontman of Atreyu and current member of Dead Icarus, who has completed training to become a firefighter. This transition from the stage to emergency services represents an extreme example of musicians finding meaningful work outside the industry while maintaining their musical pursuits.
Varkatzas's journey from screaming "Slow Burn" on stage to literally stopping burns in his community illustrates the diverse paths available to musicians seeking stability and purpose beyond touring and recording. His continued involvement with Dead Icarus suggests these dual careers can coexist, providing both creative fulfillment and practical security.
New Music on the Horizon
Several major acts have confirmed new material in development, with A Perfect Circle's Billy Howerdel stating the band is "working toward something" following their recent "Starless" single release. The cryptic nature of Howerdel's comments suggests fans should expect more substantial releases beyond individual tracks.
Swedish atmospheric post-metal collective Cult of Luna has announced "The Shadow of Your Shadow," their first album since 2022's critically acclaimed "The Long Road North." The new release continues the band's exploration of expansive, emotionally resonant heavy music that has influenced countless American post-metal and sludge acts. For US bands working in similar atmospheric territories, including North, whose own blend of black metal, death metal, and sludge elements draws from similar creative wells, Cult of Luna's continued evolution provides a roadmap for long-term artistic development.
Brand of Sacrifice has confirmed new music arriving this week, reportedly consisting of two new songs. The Canadian deathcore act's return comes at a time when the genre continues to gain traction among American audiences, particularly following the success of acts like Lorna Shore in bringing symphonic and blackened elements to the deathcore template.
International Tours Target American Markets
Finnish folk metal veterans Ensiferum have announced "The Winter Storm Over North America" tour, recognizing the continued importance of the American market for international metal acts. The tour timing suggests strategic planning around the traditional heavy music touring season, when American audiences are most receptive to the theatrical elements that define folk metal performances.
This international attention to American markets reflects the ongoing strength of the US metal scene as both a creative force and commercial destination. For American bands working in similar epic metal territories, the continued investment by international acts in US touring infrastructure creates opportunities for support slots and festival appearances.
Unexpected Returns
In perhaps the most surprising development, Hoobastank has released their first new single in years with "How Do You Sleep?" The track marks the band's first original material since 2018, suggesting renewed creative activity from an act that helped define early 2000s radio rock. While not strictly metal, their return reflects broader patterns of millennium-era bands reconnecting with audiences hungry for familiar sounds.
Hollywood Undead has announced plans for a new album in early 2027, providing fans with a concrete timeline for new material. The extended timeline suggests the band is taking a methodical approach to their next release, potentially incorporating lessons learned from the changing music industry landscape.
Legacy Acts Embrace Rare Material
Rush's recent performance of "A Farewell to Kings" title track at the Kia Forum in Inglewood marked the song's first live performance since 1979. This deep-cut inclusion during their "Fifty Something" comeback tour demonstrates how legacy acts can surprise long-time fans while introducing rare material to new audiences.
The enthusiasm surrounding these rare performances highlights the enduring appeal of progressive rock and metal's more complex compositions. For contemporary American progressive metal and rock acts, these examples illustrate the value of maintaining extensive catalogs and the potential rewards of revisiting overlooked material.
As metal continues to evolve, these developments showcase an industry where veteran artists feel empowered to explore new creative directions while maintaining connections to their foundational work. Whether through side projects, career pivots, or unexpected reunions, the American heavy music scene benefits from this diversity of approaches to artistic longevity.