Iskandr

Behind Iskandr is O. (Omar Kleiss), a Dutch multi-instrumentalist who initially developed the project as a solo endeavour in the realm of atmospheric black metal, with long, melodic compositions closely tied to images of nature, ruins and pagan spirituality. Over the course of his releases, Iskandr has shifted his writing toward a slower, more contemplative form at the crossroads of psychedelic folk, doom and dark ambient, adding medieval hues and a visual staging built on landscape projections. This turn, noticeable after an initial phase defined by a black metal trilogy, is accompanied by a more open sound in which heavy percussion, acoustic strings, low drones and deep vocals occupy as much space as the extreme legacy. The evolution has been supported by work with Dutch sound engineer Pieter Kloos. Today Iskandr moves between black metal, dark folk and experimental scenes in a solo format that privileges atmosphere, repetitive motifs and a cinematic approach to composition.