Origin: Russia
Location: Moscow
Formed: 2006
Status: Disputed
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Label: Stellar Winter Records
Themes: Nature, Pagan Mysticism, Heritage
Walknut is one of the most iconic and myth‑enshrouded atmospheric black metal projects to emerge from Russia in the 2000s. Formed in 2006 by Stringsskald (all instruments, vocals) with lyrics by Ravnaskrik, the band crafted a singular, deeply immersive vision rooted in pagan mysticism, ancestral memory, and the vastness of the natural world. Their name references the valknut, the ancient symbol of three interlocked triangles associated with Odin, death, and the passage between worlds—an apt emblem for their music’s spiritual and mythic depth.
Walknut released only one album, but it became a cornerstone of Russian atmospheric black metal.
Graveforests and Their Shadows (2007) is a cold, hypnotic, and reverent work—long, flowing tremolo lines, deep forest ambience, and a sense of timeless melancholy. The album’s atmosphere is immersive and ritualistic, evoking the feeling of wandering through ancient woods under a grey northern sky. Its production is raw yet spacious, allowing the melodies to breathe and the emotional weight to settle slowly.
The record’s influence has been profound: it is frequently cited as one of the finest examples of Russian pagan/atmospheric black metal, standing alongside early Forest, Branikald, and Temnozor’ while maintaining its own unmistakable identity.
Between 2014 and 2020, both Stringsskald and Ravnaskrik gave conflicting statements about the band’s status—sometimes claiming Walknut was active, other times saying it was on hold or fully disbanded. No new material has surfaced since the debut, and the project’s status remains officially disputed.
This ambiguity has only strengthened Walknut’s cult aura: a band that appeared suddenly, released a single masterpiece, and then dissolved into silence.
Stringsskald – all instruments, vocals (2006–2020)
Also known for: Old Sea and Mother Serpent, Громоверж, ex‑Forest, ex‑Nitberg, ex‑Вандал, ex‑Волкотень, ex‑Woods of Fallen, ex‑Темнозорь
Ravnaskrik – lyrics (2006–2020)
Also known for: Woods of Fallen, Темнозорь
Graveforests and Their Shadows – Full‑length, 2007
Walknut remains a singular presence in the Russian underground: a project defined not by prolific output, but by the haunting, enduring power of one album that captured the essence of pagan mysticism and the eternal forest.