The legendary Tor-Helge “Cernunnus” Skei of Manes has distinguished himself as an unsurpassed genius — one of the few true innovators creating sonic masterpieces not only today, but for more than thirty years. He recently announced a new project titled The Holos Collective, and all music enthusiasts should eagerly await developments from this emerging vessel of excellence.

Skei has, fortunately, already shared four unfinished yet utterly perfect compositions from The Holos Collective’s debut: “The Rhythm of Silence,” “Red,” “Omega,” and “My Salvation.” At this point, I feel it would be blasphemy to contaminate the listening experience with my filthy words since these dreadfully magical and potent songs are untouchable. Thus, I will leave it to our readers to simply submit to each of the journeys provided below —

The top-notch collaborators who have been named publicly are Rage of Light’s Martyna Halas, Martyra’s Marita Hellem, Manes’ Torstein Parelius, Manes’ Eivind Fjøseide, Manes’ associate Tor-Arne Helgesen, rapper Pierre Ripka, and Område’s Christophe Denhez. However, in total, there are, to date, about 20 artists involved. Artfully integrating all of their contributions will require a Herculean effort, but Skei is obviously a master and always manages.

We’ve actually heard the full album in progress, and I must say: It’s already one of my favorites, which is no surprise because Skei is my favorite artist for manifold reasons. Everything that Skei does is, of course, pure brilliance. In fact, I’ve never been affected by a new offering in the way that The Holos Collective’s debut has managed to deeply haunt me; the gorgeous, mesmerizing, and transporting tracks instill the most primordial fear, trembling, and reverence.

Later this year, Manes will unleash their newest triumph, To Burn Is to Shine, on Italy’s esteemed Avantgarde Music. Be on the lookout for that as well. It’s bound to prove another work of musical supremacy. To Burn Is to Shine represents the full-length follow-up to the classic Slow Motion Death Sequence (2018), which is, in my opinion, one of the greatest records of all time. Furthermore, Skei’s releases in 2024 — Manes’ Pathei Mathos, Manes’ Slow Motion Death Sequence Remixed, and Lethe’s Alienation — were the highlights of the year.

For further updates, follow Skei on YouTube, The Holos Collective on Facebook, and Manes on Facebook and Instagram.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Finn Håkon Rødland

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Jillian Drachman