New project Holissstik has been launched by Norwegian artist Tor-Helge Skei, who is both a multi-instrumentalist and a Producer. Chapter I: This Endless Solitude is the first chapter in a trilogy of albums, one which “finds salvation through the spirit of collaboration.” Lead single “The Rhythm of Silence” is out now, alongside a video. The album arrives August 14th, 2026.

Skei says:

The inspiration for Holissstik comes from the Greek word Hólos, which is the root for the English word ‘whole’. Collaboration is the heart and soul of this project. The idea is that each part cannot exist or be understood when separated from the whole. The sum is greater than its parts.

As the driving force behind Trondheim band Manes, Skei quickly established himself in the ’90s as one of Black Metal’s pioneers. Over the years, Skei has only continued to build upon his legacy. He’s been recognized for his achievements with various outfits, including Lethe, his duo with ex-Eluveitie and Cellar Darling’s songstress Anna Murphy, the international supergroup Høstsol, the groups Atrox, Manii and Syning, Kkoagulaa, and more.

While Skei serves as Holissstik’s composer and captain, the project operates as a revolving door for talent from across the world. The goal is “timeless music without any artistic limitations.”

As Skei’s longtime accomplice in Manes and award-winning filmmaker Torstein Parelius writes, “Turn away from the boundaries you create”.

Guest musicians on the album include:

Anna Murphy – Vocals on “Obsession Six”

Christophe Denhez – Guitars on “The Rhythm of Silence”, Guitars, vocals and lyrics on “Behind Me”

Eivind Fjøseide – Guitars on all songs except “Projections”

Gabriel Trentini – Vocals and lyrics on “Obsession Six”

Kristoffer Oustad – Synth on “The Rhythm of Silence”, “Projections”, “Reoccuring Dreams”, “This Endless Solitude”

Tor-Arne Helgesen – Drums on all songs except “Behind Me” and “This Endless Solitude”

Marita Hellem – Vocals on “The Rhythm of Silence” and “This Endless Solitude”

Martyna Halas – Vocals and lyrics on “The Rhythm of Silence”, “My Salvation”, “Would You Take This Heart” and “This Endless Solitude”

Nik Košar – Vocals and lyrics on “Projections” and “Reoccuring Dreams”

Pierre Ripka – Vocals and lyrics on “The Rhythm of Silence”

Paritta Monks – Chanting on “Would You Take This Heart”

Rune Folgerø – Vocals on “This Endless Solitude”

Rune Hoemsnes – Drums on “Behind Me”

Stig Waltoft – Synth and sounds on “Would You Take This Heart”

Tom Engelsøy – Vocals on “Obsession Six”

Torstein Parelius – Bass on “Behind Me” and “This Endless Solitude”, lyrics on “This Endless Solitude”

Trond Johansen – Guitars ​on “Would You Take This Heart”