Anima Sola

With Anima Sola released January 2nd 2018, Stein Akslen ventured into a lot more experimental grounds than previously heard. Embracing his fascination for goth aesthethics and more rock-oriented riffs, Stein wrote an album with punk-ish riffs, atmospheric twin harmonies and a wide range of vocal styles.

Anima Sola was a darker album, released with the tagline "We need to talk about the darkness". Still, the album got a lot more positive attention and really cemented Minneriket as a unpredictable, yet highly professional Norwegian black metal band.

In honour of the international suicide awareness month in 2018, Stein donated all proceedings from the album and merch sales for 3 months to international non-religious organizations working to prevent suicide and self-harm.

Except for a guitar intro by Rex of Blodsgard on the opening song, Stein once again wrote and recorded all music and lyrics himself, utilizing a broader range of styles and techniques than before. The album spawned several music videos and was mastered by Steve Nagasaki of Nagasaki Sound.

For the artwork Stein collaborated with renowned goth artist Anna Marine for both the album and the two singles An All Too Human Heart (October 31st 2017) and Tro, håp og kjærlighet (December 3rd 2017).

Stream Anima Sola here