Mental Cruelty share “Ride of the Valkyries” video before new album
Mental Cruelty release the Dämmerbruch / Ride of the Valkyries video ahead of Echoes of a Forlorn Land, due October 23, 2026.
Mental Cruelty have released the official video for “Dämmerbruch / Ride of the Valkyries,” bringing the closing sequence of their next album into view. Century Media published the clip on October 8, 2026; Echoes of a Forlorn Land follows on October 23.
The pairing is deliberate. “Dämmerbruch” and “Ride of the Valkyries” occupy tracks ten and eleven on the official running order. The band’s store lists the complete album at 43 minutes and 58 seconds, placing this release at the end of its mythology-led sequence.
A finale built around Norse mythology
Vocalist Lukas Nicolai describes the finale as following fallen warriors toward Valhalla. In explaining its musical approach, he names Children of Bodom, Wintersun and Ensiferum alongside black metal and deathcore influences.
According to Mental Cruelty’s own store, the album combines Norse-mythology subject matter with traditional Nordic, Central European and Asian instruments alongside its riffs and melodies.
The people behind the recording and video
Jens Bogren is credited with producing, mixing and mastering Echoes of a Forlorn Land. The video description names Nahuel Lozano, Marvin Kessler and Lukas Nicolai as the songwriters, separating those music credits from the film production.
Dariusz Szermanowicz directed and edited the video, with Rafał Szermanowicz credited as producer and Grupa 13 as the production company. The description names Wolin Slavic Viking Center as its location and Igor Górewicz as historical advisor and fight choreographer.
Physical editions include the standard CD jewelcase listed by Century Media and the four-panel CD digipak offered through the band’s store. Both carry the same eleven-track running order.
The official video is available on Century Media’s channel. The label’s album page has the full running order and October 23 release details.
For a guitar-focused detour through one of Nicolai’s reference points, explore our Alexi Laiho and Children of Bodom guitars and gear guide.