Maestro Blink – Nail and Plank

There is nothing complicated about the two objects named here. A nail and a plank belong to building, repair and the basic work of putting something together. That simplicity gives the title an earthy quality. Before castles, ships or large structures can exist, somebody has to handle the small pieces that hold things in place.

Nail and Plank adds another side to the Viking-style world suggested across the album. The imagery is not limited to weapons or the forge. Building is just as important, whether the work involves a home, a workshop, a fence or something much larger. The title therefore points towards the practical side of a society where useful hands and simple materials mattered.

There is also something memorable about pairing the two words so plainly. The title feels like a snapshot from a working day, with materials sitting ready for somebody to use. Within Ash and Iron, that makes the song feel connected to the physical world behind the larger Viking imagery. It is an unpretentious idea, and that is exactly what gives it character.

Listen, download and share your thoughts in the comments.