Mass Darkness is available now via iTunes and Amazon. The lyric video for the single was created by Michael Dickinson, who has previously worked with Orange Goblin and Gallows.

Arktis was recorded at Ihsahn's studio in Notodden, Norway, mixed in Sweden by Jens Bogren and features 10 tracks. It features guest appearances from Einar Solberg of Leprous, Matt Heafy of Trivium, Jorgen Munkeby of Shining, Tobias Ornes Andersen, also of Shining, and Norwegian author Hans Herbjornsrud.

Ihsahn, real name Vegard Sverre Tveita, says: "My focus for this album was to write within more traditional song structures and still give each song a strong individual identity, be that through a re-occurring melody, a chorus, sound design or the good, old guitar riff. I also wanted to explore this on the production side, blending organic rock sounds with more modern expressions."

The Mass Darkness lyric promo uses visuals based on the travels of Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen. It depicts his three-year expedition to the North Pole by ship and on foot.