There’s something undeniably magnetic about the way art forms collide—especially when they’re as visceral as black metal and as immersive as a game like Elden Ring. Serena Cherry, the former frontwoman of Svalbard, has carved out a niche where these worlds intersect, and her latest project feels like a masterclass in how storytelling can transcend mediums. When I first heard about her new solo album, Extinguish Thy Flame, I couldn’t help but think: what does it mean for a genre as raw as black metal to be inspired by a game that’s essentially a dark fantasy epic? It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about the emotional weight these two mediums carry. Cherry’s work isn’t just music—it’s a narrative extension of the very themes Elden Ring explores: sacrifice, decay, and the futility of fighting against inevitable collapse. That’s what makes this particularly fascinating. Most people see video games as escapism, but Cherry’s album feels like a bridge between the player’s journey and the artist’s introspection. It’s as if she’s taken the game’s lore and turned it into a personal requiem.
Let’s talk about Malenia, the boss she’s so obsessed with. To many, she’s a grotesque figure—a woman consumed by rot, fighting for a brother who’s long gone. But Cherry’s take on her isn’t just a tribute; it’s a mirror. She says the song captures Malenia’s ‘abandonment’ and the ‘devastating power’ of her Scarlet Rot. What many don’t realize is that this isn’t just about a character. It’s about the human condition. We all have moments where love turns into self-destruction, where our efforts to protect others leave us unrecognizable. Cherry’s ability to translate that into music is what elevates her work beyond a mere fan project. It’s not just about the game’s visuals or its mechanics—it’s about the existential dread that lingers after the credits roll. And that’s where black metal thrives. The genre has always been about confronting the abyss, and Elden Ring’s world feels like the perfect canvas for that.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Cherry’s previous solo album, Wretched Abyss, was inspired by Skyrim. That’s a game with a much lighter tone, filled with dragons and ancient quests. But Extinguish Thy Flame feels darker, more claustrophobic. Why the shift? I think it’s because Elden Ring isn’t just a game—it’s a philosophy. It’s a world where hope is fleeting, and every victory is tinged with loss. That’s the kind of narrative that resonates with black metal’s ethos. What this really suggests is that gamers and musicians are increasingly looking for art that doesn’t just entertain but challenges. It’s a trend I’ve noticed in other collaborations too. Take the recent Dead By Daylight collab with Ice Nine Kills—horror games are becoming a breeding ground for extreme creativity. But Cherry’s work feels more personal, more vulnerable. She’s not just borrowing themes; she’s embedding her own emotional scars into the music. That’s what makes it so powerful.
And let’s not forget the irony of a post-hardcore vocalist turning to black metal for her solo work. Svalbard’s breakup was framed as a desire to avoid being ‘pigeonholed,’ but Cherry’s solo career feels like a rebellion against that very idea. She’s embracing extremity, which is a bold move in a genre that often values accessibility. I find it especially interesting that she’s using Elden Ring as a vehicle for this. The game’s world is so punishing, so unrelenting, that it’s almost a metaphor for the creative process itself. Writing music that’s as intense as black metal requires the same kind of commitment as surviving a boss fight in Elden Ring. You have to push through pain, through doubt, through the fear of failure. That’s not just a stretch—it’s a profound insight into the mindset of artists who dare to go beyond the mainstream.
Looking ahead, I wonder where this collaboration might lead. Could we see more musicians drawing inspiration from games in this way? Or will this remain a niche curiosity? I suspect the latter, but I also think it’s a sign of something bigger. Video games are no longer just entertainment—they’re a cultural force, and their narratives are increasingly being weaponized by artists. The question isn’t whether this trend will last, but whether it will evolve. Will we see more albums inspired by games like Elden Ring, or will the focus shift to other genres? One thing is certain: Serena Cherry’s work has already blurred the lines between gaming and music in a way that’s hard to ignore. And that’s exactly what art should do—it shouldn’t just reflect the world; it should force us to see it differently.
