This is the first single for Æthyrien X, the 'eXperimental' version of Aethyrien. The goal with this side project is to retell the old Norse stories and lore through a new lens layered over modern music while not abiding by any certain genre. Every track is based on a specific story from Norse lore, so every track will be unique in its own right. Often times the lyrics will use Old Norse, or even be completely in Old Norse. This is a very ambitious project, but essentially my playground where I will release whatever creative concept comes to mind without worry of fitting a predefined genre or sound. I hope you enjoy this as much I as did composing it!! The Process: I use a very involved process of using AI to render me hundreds of vocals and music, splitting the tracks into STEMS, combining/composing them in my DAW (Reaper), adding effects, more instruments, atmosphere, etc. LYRICS: [Hermóðr] Through grim and darkened paths I tread, To Hel's cold gate, where rot the dead. The stench of flesh, it fills the air, A journey bleak, of deep despair. Bones littered 'cross the path I ride, Screams of torment, the damned, they cried. Their hollow eyes, devoid of light, In endless pain, eternal night. Here It was dark, the dread profound In this abyss where horrors abound each step i take my hope decays lost in Hel's grip, a chilling haze With every breath the coldness seeps into my bones, the terror creeps a land forsaken, void of grace despair and fear, i now embrace! "O Baldr fair, my brother lost! To Hel I go, at any cost! Through realms of night, I make my plea! To bring you back, from misery!" "Damn you, Hel, for the darkness you've spun!" "RELEASE! MY! KIN!" "I beg with dread, Among the piles of severed heads. In this dark place, where all is bled!" Baldr speaks as shadows creep, His voice a whisper, soft and weak. [Baldr] "I long to see the light once more, To leave this cold, eternal shore. And feel the warmth I knew before, (Hel: Silence you fool...) Escape this fate, forevermore" [Hel] SILENCE! You're mine... Unless all weep Hermóðr you've wasted my time. Cold as Niflheim's frozen deep (yes!) I cradle death, in silence i keep. (I keep!) Beneath my touch, the whole world shall weep. (hahaha) From my abyss, Baldr I keep For if the whole world shall not weep Then your dear Baldr shall I keep Oh if the whole world shall not weep Then your dear Baldr shall I keep (Ha!) Unless all weep Hermóðr you've wasted my time... [Hermóðr] With heavy heart, I turn away, A task so great, a price to pay. Through realms of night, I beg my plea To bring you back, from misery. "O world of men, now hear my call, Weep for Baldr, weep one and all. For in your tears, his life may lie, Or in Hel's grasp, he’ll ever sigh."

Fiddle + Virtual instruments