The ritualistic Nordic Folk duo, Nytt Land, released their new album on February 20, 2026. Named Aba Khan, the album is dedicated to the great, beautiful and ancient lands of Siberia. Nytt Land picks up the stylistic thread they had previously woven with “Ritual” (2021). The music is generally based on a foundation of current ritual dark folk to which the duo from Siberia adds elements from the native traditions of their home among other ingredients. Prepare to join a journey through time and space where spirits rule, shamans protect the people and gods whisper.
I had almost forgotten how much I love Nordic Folk music until I recently played The Witcher III and spent a lot of time on the Skellige Islands. The islands’ culture is a unique blend of ancient Scandinavian and Gaelic traditions, combining Norse strength with Celtic heritage. Personally, I am more drawn to old Nordic legends and myths, so this album, together with the gameplay, made me forget about reality for a while.
Official album artwork
© Natalia Pakhalenko
Become a part of an ancient ritual
The album opens with Aba Khan, a chant that sounds like an ancient summoning. The flute, combined with the repetitive vocals, calls upon the spirits to guide the participants of this ritual with their ancestral knowledge and wisdom. The feminine voice becomes one of a priestess. It surrounds you and carries you into a mystic journey through the nordic tales.
Taiga feels like you’re standing in the middle of a forest, surrounded by the chants of the priestesses, tall green trees and the familiar cold breeze, thanking the gods for all their gifts. Despite the harsh weather, everything feels alive, the warm blood flowing through your veins, the fertile soil beneath your feet filled with fresh grass and plants, the little insects crawling through it. You know that everything belongs to the gods and their mercy.
The priestesses allow the shamans guide you further in Totem, even though their presence is still there. Tales of the living and the dead, of nature and gods are carried through the shamans’ chant. Tales that are meant to endure and strengthen generations of warriors and followers. Uitag unfolds as a moment of meditation, a time for the listener to reconnect with the surroundings, with the call of the wild. No voice is heard, nothing to disturb the profound and mysterious atmosphere that surrounds you.
With Mansi, it feels as though the real ritual begins. The priestesses initiate the chant, later joined by the shamans. Your soul becomes one with the chant and you realize that these disciples of the gods are not just the closest beings to them, they’ve became sacred vessels and the gods speak directly through them. Now you are bound by the gods’ will through The Oath. You’re no longer a mere witness anymore. You’ve been chosen to perceive their mercy in the birds’ chirping and the gentle song carried by the wind. Then they reveal their might through the solemn voices of the shamans.
Suddenly, everything falls into silence. Through Prayer, only the priestess’ voice is heard. The flutes and drums fade away, even the small creatures of the forest fall quiet. Her voice stands alone, fragile yet powerful, as if the ritual has reached its most intimate moment. Yet this serves as a preparation for what is coming. The ritual concludes with Tygir Tayii (Heavenly Sacrifice). What began as an invocation now transforms into a final offering. You must surrender yourself to the gods, not physically, but spiritually. They demand your spirit, asking you to leave behind every impure thought, everything you were until that very moment. And you accept.
The journey concludes
Honestly, I cannot fully describe what a journey that was. It felt so intense and immersive that I almost forgot about reality. No matter how familiar you are with the old Siberian culture, this album draws you into an experience that feels truly divine. And the best part about it is that you can listen to it again whenever you want.
Tracklist
01) Aba Khan
02) Taiga
03) Totem
04) Uitag
05) Mansi
06) The Oath
07) Prayer
08) Tygir Tayii (Heavenly Sacrifice)
Line-up
Natalia Pakhalenko – vocals, throat singing, shaman drums
Anatoly Pakhalenko – throat singing, talharpa, flutes, percussion, mouth harp
Aleksandr Rosliakov – live drums
See more about Nytt Land
Online shop: https://spkr.store/collections/nytt-land?goal=0_bc0ad8deee-432b0a58ec-50242717&mc_cid=432b0a58ec&mc_eid=UNIQID
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NYTTLAND
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyttland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyttland_official/
