Facing the Dark with Tim Sköld: Life, Death, and the New Album Dies Irae

 

 In a recent raw and revealing interview with MetalGodZradiO, industrial rock icon Tim Sköld opened up about his latest album, the creative process, and the heavier themes that run just beneath the surface—including mortality, fear, and the strange clarity that comes with age.

 

Live from L.A.

Despite the serious topics ahead, the conversation kicked off lightheartedly. Tim joined the call from Studio City, Los Angeles—not far from the host—and joked about still sounding like someone from the '90s. After confirming the connection, things quickly took a turn into deeper territory.

From the Swedish Forests to the World Stage

Sköld grew up in Timmersdala, a tiny town in Sweden with a population of just a few thousand. "It wasn’t very diverse," he admitted. “I probably didn’t meet anyone of another race until I was out of my teens.” Raised by young, liberal parents who distanced themselves from the Swedish church, Tim remembers a short-lived Sunday school experience that ended with a priest telling them never to bring him back.

 

The New Album: Dies Irae

Sköld's new album, Dies Irae—Latin for "Day of Wrath"—has finally been released after a nearly year-long delay. Originally finished in early 2020, the album’s release was timed to align with a tour alongside Combichrist and 3Teeth. But then the world changed, and plans were postponed.

He describes the album as a deliberate, focused body of work, shaped in part by the limitations of vinyl: "You essentially have 20 minutes per side before the sound starts to degrade. That restriction helped me get to the point faster—no more sprawling songs just to fill a CD."

 

“I’m Not Afraid of Dying… I’m F*ing Terrified”**

One of the most striking moments in the interview came during a discussion about the song Feel Fine. The host quoted the haunting lyric: “I’m not afraid of dying—I’m f***ing terrified,” and asked if that fear was real.

“It’s something you can talk about until you actually die,” Sköld replied. “We’ll never be the wiser until we go there. It’s a guaranteed event, and yet it’s still this massive mystery. For me, it’s sometimes a looming cloud. I’ve written about it before, but never this directly.”

Though he acknowledges the fear, Sköld also reflects on the futility of worrying about death. “You can’t control it, so you just try to make the best of it. That’s your only job.”

 

Growing Older in the Shadow of Rock Heroes

At 55, Tim admits he's surprised he’s made it this far. “I didn’t plan on being 30, let alone 55,” he said with a laugh. Comparing himself to late legends like David Bowie and Lemmy, who both passed at 70, he reflected on the changes aging brings: “You look in the mirror, at your hands, your ankles… you see it.”

Despite the darkness, humor remains a key coping mechanism. “Being able to laugh is critical. Even if it’s a nervous laugh, it’s one of the best tools we’ve got.”

 

Art as Catharsis

Sköld's work has always straddled the line between the poetic and the personal. He prefers broad strokes over political or social specifics, hoping listeners find their own meaning. “If there’s one recurring theme, it’s probably death. I hope that’s something people can relate to.”

The album closes with the blunt track Kill Yourself and Goodbye, a title that’s sure to provoke. But as Tim explained, these are expressions of inner turmoil, not messages of despair. They’re meant to spark reflection, not conclusions.

Looking Ahead

As the interview wrapped, Sköld shared one final hope: “I just want the world to open up again so we can bring the rock show back. That’s what I’m here for.”

 

Final Thoughts

In a world that often shies away from difficult conversations, Tim Sköld leans in. Dies Irae isn’t just another industrial rock album—it’s a reflection on life, loss, and the creative fire that still burns strong in the face of inevitable darkness.

If you're looking for an album that dares to ask uncomfortable questions—and isn't afraid to answer them—Dies Irae might just be what you need.

 

 Stay heavy. Support the underground. Long live metal.

 Want more? Follow Tim Sköld on his Website, Spotify, Facebook and catch him when he comes to your town.