Nytt Land - Aba Khan

 

On February 20, 2026, Nytt Land (New Land) released their latest album, Aba Khan, via Napalm Records. This is the band’s 10th studio album to date.

In the pagan–folk metal scene, many bands have emerged following the success of Wardruna, Dannheim, and Heilung. However, only a few have managed to achieve similar recognition. Nytt Land undoubtedly belongs to this select group.

The duo, Natalya “Baba Yaga” Pakhalenko and Anatoly Pakhalenko from Kalachinsk, created a truly unique dark folk and shamanic production. They began their distinctive musical journey in 2013 and have been remarkably active ever since. In this relatively short time, they have delivered ten studio albums, alongside numerous singles, EPs, and even a live album. Few bands can claim to have released so much material in such a short period.

In addition, Natalya is also known for her project Kiberspassk, a grotesque cyber–neo–folk–dark production that blends industrial music with Russian folk elements, throat singing, and traditional instruments.

They have performed in Hungary several times. Most recently, if I remember correctly, they appeared as the opening act for Leave’s Eyes. They have also taken the stage at A38 and at Fekete Zaj in 2022.

The album’s title figure, Abaqa Khan, was one of the rulers of the Mongol Ilkhanate. The record approaches the Khan’s character in a mystical rather than direct way. Themes of war, empire, human fate, and shamanic rituals intertwine throughout the album. The music and vocals often become monotonous—much like marching soldiers—but silence also plays a crucial role, adding weight and emphasis. You can almost feel the charged stillness when warriors stand face to face, sensing the immense power of silence before battle.

Although Aba Khan consists of eight separately titled tracks, for me it is difficult to break it down song by song. It functions far more as a unified whole from beginning to end. It is also hard to highlight a standout track. If I had to choose, perhaps “Totem” or “Mansi,” but I truly cannot decide.

The lyrics of “Mansi” revolve around the bear funeral ritual. This is an important, multi-day ceremony that can last from three to seven days. Among the Mansi people, the bear is not merely an animal but a sacred being, often regarded as the earthly embodiment of a heavenly relative. As the lyrics say: “Uj, kyonsjalmen, sus voramlen!” – “Oh, our sacred guest, you have arrived.” Here, the bear is addressed as the sacred guest.

The bear ritual is far more than a simple ceremony; it represents the connection between humans and nature, the cycle of death and rebirth, and reverence for the ancestors.

This album does not particularly innovate; it delivers the archaic and ritualistic atmosphere we have come to expect from them. Aba Khan is an authentic journey into an idealized ancient shamanic ritual. They are often compared to Wardruna, but for me, they offer a completely different experience. There may be some overlap in inspiration, yet while Nytt Land is a minimalist formation with very few members, Wardruna is far more monumental, featuring a larger ensemble and a grander sound.

Their track “Uitag” transports us through shamanic trance to the taiga, where we can almost hear the murmur of streams, the wind, and the howling of wolves. They use music to evoke the sounds of nature, and Tuvan throat singing itself has the ability to imitate animals and natural elements.

Musically, the album does not introduce many new elements. One might ask: can a band so deeply rooted in traditional sound constantly reinvent itself? In my opinion, beyond a certain point, not really. But this is not a negative aspect. The album remains a complete and immersive experience as it is.

The vocals incorporate classic ritual elements: throat singing, whispering, and female ceremonial chants. The dialogue between male and female voices is central throughout the record.

The entire album is dark and somber from start to finish. There is no obvious “hit” song in the modern sense, but that is clearly not the album’s intention. Instead, it presents a carefully crafted concept built around an authentic ritual atmosphere.

It is not an easy listen. For those who do not appreciate this style, it may feel monotonous or even dull. But if you are able to immerse yourself in it and enjoy dark, atmospheric folk, it can provide a truly profound spiritual experience.

If you would like to catch them live soon, they will play three concerts in Poland in May 2026, organized by Gryf Events:

·         May 6 – Białystok

·         May 7 – Warsaw

·         May 8 – Rybnik

Tracklist:

1.     Aba Khan

2.     Taiga

3.     Totem

4.     Uitag

5.     Mansi

6.     The Oath

7.     Prayer

8.     Tygir Tayii (Heavenly Sacrifice)