Arrival foretold in the runes – a new force rises from the North
LN are a Pagan / Viking metal band from the North-East, carving a powerful and immersive path through the modern metal landscape. Rooted in Norse mythology, witchcraft, medieval lore, and ritualistic storytelling, LN blends crushing modern metal with atmospheric folk elements to create music that feels ancient in spirit yet fiercely contemporary.
Fronted by LN Hirst, whose commanding presence and self-proclaimed witchery form the heart of the band, LN are rapidly earning a reputation as one of the most vital and forward-moving acts in UK Metal, both for their sound and for the community they are building around it.
Following a standout performance at Planet Rockstock that won over the crowds, LN unveil their powerful new single ‘Shield Wall’, alongside an official video filmed at their most recent hometown show to a huge crowd of loyal fans at Anarchy Brewery, Newcastle in December.
Built on thunderous riffs and ritual-esque intensity, ‘Shield Wall’ is a rallying cry written for LN’s fiercely loyal fanbase, affectionately known as the Peasants. The track channels unity and collective strength, translating ancient Viking battle traditions into a modern metal anthem.
Frontwoman LN Hirst says: ‘Shield Wall’ was inspired by and written for the LN fan base that we refer to as our loyal Peasants. Their fierce support has got us to where we are today and we are extremely grateful for not only their love for the band, but for being the kindest and most generous humans. The opening lyrics “Peasants of LN, Peasants of now, join in our battle and follow the sound” is a call to arms for our steadfast clan, bringing them together in spirit and when played live, brings them together physically in a wall of death (a Shield Wall). The fist-pumping and body-slamming is surely a beautiful sight to behold, especially when there are blow-up shields and swords in the mix.
LN Hirst adds: A Shield Wall is a historic rite of passage, bringing fellow men together, shoulder to shoulder, as one solid unit, creating a formidable barrier in order to dominate battles. This is a metaphor for the community we are creating around LN – no matter who you are or what you look like, you are welcome with LN and the Peasant community will stand side by side with you to make sure you are safe and feel appreciated. ‘Shield Wall’ is about solidarity and we are proud to be able to welcome more Peasants into the clan.
Credit: © Lindsay and Darren for Planet Rock
LN’s live performances are a high-energy, borderline spiritual experience, transforming ritual into communal catharsis. The wall of death, or Shield Wall, offers fans the opportunity to throw their fists in the air and collide together with blow-up props of shields and swords, with authentic stage costumes, fake blood, and even their unofficial mascot ‘Donnie’ the Draugr’s head impaled on a stick…cementing LN’s status as one of the UK rock and metal scene’s most exciting new live bands.
Alongside the release of ‘Shield Wall’, LN also announces their new management partnership with Rock People Management, who will oversee the band’s strategy, releases, and long-term development as LN enter a pivotal new chapter. They take their place alongside the likes of Massive Wagons, These Wicked Rivers and The Virginmarys within RPM’s growing stable of formidable talent.
Terri Chapman, founder of Rock People Management comments: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome LN to the Rock People Management roster. They are a truly unique band, unlike anything we’ve worked with before, and they’ve already built a huge amount of buzz across the UK rock and metal scene. We can’t wait to take the next steps together and help to push LN to the level they deserve.”
LN Hirst adds: “LN, are so grateful to have been given this opportunity to work with RPM and we are so excited for what the future holds, working together to create something magical! As a band, we have wanted to find someone/a team that believes in our vision as much as we do and we feel like we’ve found that with RPM. To be able to work with people that are extremely professional, while also being genuine lovely humans is rare to come across and we cannot wait for what the future holds. Watch this space!”
Shield Wall was shot and edited by: Michael Jordan Lee
Watch it here or by clicking below:
| Shield Wall is released on Friday 9th January 2026 and is available to stream now: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ln10/shield-wall |
See LN Live in 2026:
30/01/2026 – The Giffard Arms – Wolverhampton, UK
27/03/2026 – The Cart and Horses – London, UK
03/05/2026 – Kin’ell Fest – Mansfield, UK
24/05/2026 – Breaking Bands Festival – Birmingham, UK
30/05/2026 – Wyldwood Renaissance Festival, Kirkleatham, UK
27/06/2026 – Wildfire Festival, Wanlockhead, UK
26/07/2026 – Steelhouse Festival, Ebbw Vale, UK
12/09/2026 – Destination Forge Festival, Sheffield, UK
24/09/2026 – The Exchange, Bristol, UK (Supporting Adfeilion)
25/09/2026 – Fuel, Cardiff, UK (Supporting Adfeilion)
26/09/2026 – The Bunkhouse, Swansea, UK (Supporting Adfeilion)
