After years away from the metal spotlight, vocalist Ragnhild Westgaard—known to fans as Nell Sigland from Theatre of Tragedy and The Crest—returns with renewed passion. Now fronting her new band Hollow Peak, she’s ready to make her mark again with the upcoming album Obsidian Cult, out via Massacre Records.
We caught up with Ragnhild to talk about her long-awaited comeback, the making of Obsidian Cult, and what it’s like to reconnect with the metal scene after years of creative exploration.
Welcome to Hollow Peak
So first, Ragnhild, I want to welcome you here to Femme Metal Webzine, and I want first to thank you for your time. Secondly, how are you, and how does it feel to come back?
You know, in a way, coming back feels very just in time—perhaps a little bit over time. I don’t know. No, it’s fantastic being back again in the metal business. I haven’t stopped singing or anything like that, but it’s been quite a while since I was on the scene with a metal band again, and that feels very good.
The debut EP of Hollow Peak, Endless
Okay, so you are back with Hollow Peak. And I know that before publishing this upcoming amazing new album called Obsidian Cult, you also released an EP back in 2023, I think—Endless.
Yeah, that’s right. That EP had five songs on it. That was a pretty low-budget sort of thing [laughs]. We just needed somewhere to start, so we sat down and wrote a couple of songs, did it all by ourselves at home, and actually got a next-door neighbor to mix it. We just had to feel the songs and ask, “Is this going to be anything?” Then we kept on going and ended up with this band, which we are very happy with now. So this EP was sort of our starting point.
An introduction.
Yeah, we’re happy with the songs though, but we definitely should have had a couple more bucks to put into production.
Collecting ideas for the first full-length of Hollow Peak, Obsidian Cult
Okay, well, I think Obsidian Cult was released via Massacre Records on the 24th January. When did you start collecting the first ideas for Obsidian Cult?
We even had a couple of songs when we did the EP. Songs like Celest, the second to last song on the CD, were among the first we wrote together. A couple of songs have been around since 2021. We did the last song on this record one week before we went to the studio with it. So we actually finished this album about a year and a half ago. It’s been a long wait. We contacted the record label, got signed, handed over all the material—and then waited quite a while for Massacre Records to get everything ready. But it feels wonderful to finally release this album.
The record deal with Massacre Records
So when did you first build contact with Massacre Records and realize the collaboration would happen?
We just sent a couple of songs to different labels. You know, Theatre of Tragedy’s first two albums were also released on Massacre, so I thought maybe I should reach out to them. Actually, I first contacted AFM, which was Theatre’s last label. They said, “Sorry, we’re not signing any new projects now,” but then they told me a partner at Massacre had heard the songs and was interested. So I got in contact with Massacre Records, and I think that was in early 2024.
“It’s been hard waiting”
It has been a long procedure—a lot of waiting.
Yes, a lot. Perhaps “frustrating” is a bit too strong a word, but still—it’s been hard waiting. But I think this is going to be good. We’re really happy with them now. We’re working a lot with Barbara, who’s promoting it—she’s great. Thomas is very nice and polite; they’re all doing their best, so this will be interesting.
The comeback of Ragnhild Westgaard
In a way, Obsidian Cult also marks your comeback. When I started listening to the album, I thought, “This voice sounds familiar.” Then I realized—of course!
Yeah, and I even use a different name now.
Yes! I used to know you by Nell Sigland, then I recognized—it’s her! Just a new name, but the same amazing voice. I’m really happy you’re back after so many years. I’ve actually been wondering for 15 years when you went!
That’s very kind of you to say, thank you! I’ve been active in different types of music.
The previous experience of The Crest
I know you were busy with The Crest, which is now also split up, I think.
Yeah, we quit playing together. Sadly, Christian Sigland and I got a divorce, which was a tough time, but that had nothing to do with The Crest—we had been quiet for a long time already. I don’t think The Crest will ever reunite, but I loved that project; it was a happy period in my life, and Christian wrote many great songs.
“I feel really blessed and thankful for Massacre Records”
Sometimes life likes to play an awful game. And, you know, most artists I interview tell me they have to work outside music too—it’s not as glamorous as people imagine. So when a band disappears, I think maybe life took over. Still, I always hoped you’d come back, and I’m very happy you did—many wouldn’t have the courage to return after so long.
Yeah, that’s true. But I feel really blessed and thankful for Massacre Records for giving me this opportunity again—to write and release music. They’ve put a lot of effort and money into this project, and I’m very happy and grateful.
Attack, the new single of Hollow Peak
Out of Obsidian Cult came the single Attack, with a video. What can you tell me about that song?
We’re really pleased with how Attack turned out—we love playing it and think it’s a great opener. We even regret not putting it first on the album! It felt like a natural choice for the first single. The next single, Labyrinth, will follow soon. The album’s release had to be pushed back a month to January 23rd due to publishing delays.
Everything was already set up for the release gig—sound, lights, everything—and then we were told, “Oops, it has to move to the 24th January.” That was frustrating, but we made it through. Still, Attack really represents who we are as a band; it sets the tone for the album.
Possible future plans
Do you have any plans for touring the album?
Nothing is confirmed yet, but we definitely hope to. We plan to start with two to four gigs in Norway, then hopefully a larger tour later.
The lyrical themes on Obsidian Cult
I also like the album because it explores alienation, the digital age, inner battles, and struggle. How challenging was it to express those elements in your lyrics, since they can also be quite personal?
That’s a good question—and spot on [laughs]. Lyrics are important to me. I used to write more by sound and feeling, choosing words that felt right to sing. But this time, I wanted to dig deeper and make the lyrics positive, meaningful. I wanted to explore who I am, what matters in life. Life isn’t about doing exciting things—it’s about being content, standing up against negativity, and keeping your energy and goodness. We have to think about what kind of world we want and how we can contribute to it positively.
The goal: “recognize their own experience in the lyrics”
Yes, that’s always interesting—being personal but still finding balance between expression and privacy.
Exactly. Songs like From Ashes Rises a Crown or Labyrinth are about those journeys—finding purpose and euphoria, those fleeting moments of pure feeling. I try to express an emotion clearly but in a way that leaves room for listeners to see themselves in it. That’s really the goal—to help them feel something and recognize their own experience in the lyrics.
Last words
Absolutely. When the audience finds a piece of themselves in your lyrics, I think you’ve truly succeeded.
Yes, that’s the main goal.
Ragnhild, thank you so much for your time.
Thank you too—it was a pleasure.