Arkona
Imperium
[Astral Wings]
Now as some of you know (I'm of course referring to a fairly small amount of us out there) the Polish scene has, over the course of the past few years, been basically reviving what could be described as "real" black metal. Various groups, most of them belonging to the same ideological mind-set (N.S for those of you unaware of this) have been spewing forth simplicity, rawness, and the feelings of pure, unadulterated hatred via their music. I've found this very interesting personally, and have made it my goal to collect all releases/demos coming out of this country, simply because I find it to be a refreshing change from the now very boring/semi-dead Scandinavian scene. Arkona are no different in the amazement they bring to my ears, and for the most part, to the section of my brain devoted to properly dissecting the feeling invoked by music such as this.
BroughBrought to us by Astral Wings Records, (who have kindly given us releases by such excellent bands as Profanum, North, and have in return been shunned for releasing the now defunct Infernum LP) Arkona consist of five young creatures from Poland, and although similarities are obviously here in relation to other Polish "raw" bands, Arkona create a unique and heavily worthy atmosphere. Starting out with a simple (yet tasteful) keyboard intro, (where have I heard this???) the band quickly dive into what could be considered as "good, but generic black metal". Luckily, they quickly overcome that, and through the usage of a very talented keyboard player, nicely produced drums, and a raw (yet somewhat romantic sounding) guitar, Arkona create one of the most worthy discs to find it's way into my disc player in a long time. Packaging is very low-key obviously, (and the swastika's that find themselves in full-swing onto the inner sleeve will hopefully turn away many a soul) and is fully in the Polish language. Let's get straight to the point though: Arkona create one of the heaviest and most vile sounding atmospheres since Burzum (although sounding nothing like it! The music is very different and the vocals remind me quite of bit of Arckanum). The keyboards add such a weight to the already well-done music that a listener's attention is drawn *100%* to the music, rather than to other stimulants that are most likely available (unless you've been locked in an empty room with only a stereo). This is *not* background music. This is *not* whore metal. This *is* fantastic, romantic (yet at the same time very raw) and pure black metal. The emotions conveyed here are beyond words, and nothing more than "see for yourself" should be said. And it won't.
© 1997 brand
BroughBrought to us by Astral Wings Records, (who have kindly given us releases by such excellent bands as Profanum, North, and have in return been shunned for releasing the now defunct Infernum LP) Arkona consist of five young creatures from Poland, and although similarities are obviously here in relation to other Polish "raw" bands, Arkona create a unique and heavily worthy atmosphere. Starting out with a simple (yet tasteful) keyboard intro, (where have I heard this???) the band quickly dive into what could be considered as "good, but generic black metal". Luckily, they quickly overcome that, and through the usage of a very talented keyboard player, nicely produced drums, and a raw (yet somewhat romantic sounding) guitar, Arkona create one of the most worthy discs to find it's way into my disc player in a long time. Packaging is very low-key obviously, (and the swastika's that find themselves in full-swing onto the inner sleeve will hopefully turn away many a soul) and is fully in the Polish language. Let's get straight to the point though: Arkona create one of the heaviest and most vile sounding atmospheres since Burzum (although sounding nothing like it! The music is very different and the vocals remind me quite of bit of Arckanum). The keyboards add such a weight to the already well-done music that a listener's attention is drawn *100%* to the music, rather than to other stimulants that are most likely available (unless you've been locked in an empty room with only a stereo). This is *not* background music. This is *not* whore metal. This *is* fantastic, romantic (yet at the same time very raw) and pure black metal. The emotions conveyed here are beyond words, and nothing more than "see for yourself" should be said. And it won't.
© 1997 brand