Dark Neofolk Soundscapes with Ols

Polish artist Ols, known for her evocative neofolk soundscapes, has unveiled her new single, ‘Światło III’,

Translated as “light III”, the track delves into themes of loss, the closure of life chapters and the arduous search for new direction in a desolate world. This is the third offering from Ols’ upcoming album, “Poświaty”, set for release in May 2025 via Pagan Records. 

‘Światło III’ paints a poignant picture of being suddenly alone, grappling with a past that has irrevocably shut its doors. The lyrics, including the powerful lines “long lost summer, shed skin molt, but I go on, empty, to carry your flame further”, explore the reliance on memories and fading ideals as the sole signposts in an unfamiliar existence. Ols describes the song as a journey through atmospheric post-black landscapes, where dark romanticism intertwines with ethereal qualities and the raw power of metal instrumentation.

Musically, ‘Światło III’ showcases a unique blend of influences. Ols incorporates her newfound appreciation for the accordion, an instrument she once considered “kitschy and vulgar”, now finding its place alongside the metal elements, inspired by artists like Agalloch and legendary Polish band Lux Occulta. Departing from her typical smooth vocal harmonies, Ols opts for non-obvious intervals and subtle dissonances, creating a sense of underlying anxiety beneath the calm melody. Listeners may even detect a fleeting black metal screech lurking in the background, adding another layer of darkness to the song.

Available on all major streaming services you can check out the video here at RAMzine.

The single follows previous release ‘O Niej’ (that translates to “About her” from Polish), marking a bold departure from her established style to a more urban and trip-hop atmosphere. The track comes ahead of her upcoming album set for release on Pagan Records in May 2025.

While her earlier work explored the depths of nature and folklore, this new single emerges from the shadows of city nights and introspective memories. Musically, ‘O Niej’ embraces a blend of cold wave and trip-hop influences, anchored by rhythmic bass and electric guitar. Gone are the traditional folk instruments, replaced by a contemporary rock atmosphere that evokes the solitude of a winter evening in a bustling metropolis.

Despite the sonic shift, the essence of Ols’ artistry remains. Lyrically, both single and the upcoming album delve into a deeply personal realm – The formative period between childhood and adulthood. This is a journey into the undefined years where the self is sculpted from experiences, music, books and powerful emotions. It’s a time balancing innocent fairy tales with the burgeoning complexities of adult thought when each individual begins to construct their own founding personal mythology.

The upcoming album will explore these “semi-fairy tale memories from the time of brightness” and specifically the transformative power of love. It examines how a profound first love can interrupt childhood innocence, reveal the world in its entirety, and teach about both its light and the inevitable pain of loss. This kind of love, Ols explained, becomes woven into the very fabric of the soul, shaping everything that follows.

“This new album is a journey back to that blurry, formative time between childhood and adulthood. It’s about building yourself from fragments of experiences, feelings, and the stories that shaped you. With one foot still in the simplicity of childhood fairy tales and the other stepping into adult understanding, this is where we each start to create our own personal myth.

“‘O Niej’ specifically tells of that kind of love that bursts into your childhood world, showing you both immense beauty and the first taste of darkness and loss. Musically, I wanted to capture that feeling of a city evening – a bit lonely, a bit cold, but also full of a strange kind of energy. It’s definitely a departure from the neofolk sound I’m known for, embracing a more urban, almost trip-hop vibe. But even though the forest might be further away sonically, its spirit, its presence in memory and feeling, still breathes within the lyrics.”

To further emphasise the distinct nature of ‘O Niej’, Ols collaborated with dancer and choreographer Weronika Reiko Kapusta for the accompanying music video, directed by Piotr ‘Armia’ Pietrzak of NS Studio.  Kapusta’s unique and intriguing interpretation of the track brings a fresh visual dimension, utilizing previously unexplored forms of expression that perfectly complement the song’s atmosphere and emotional depth.

‘O Niej’ itself followe the first single ‘Proch Kość Liść’ that’s also available via all major streaming services.