First contact to ARKONA’s releases (rendered in Portuguese: ‘Arkunt’). First impression: acceptable. Listenable. Fast Black Metal. No keyboards. Somewhat polished (for the style of metal they play), relatively long songs, some variety throughout the album (including drums) ~ except perhaps for the fact that guitars never really seem to vary ~ but the album is none the worse or more boring for that matter.
The recording process took place during Winter 1995/1996, but the information I got clearly states that the album was released in the year 2001. Bearing all that in mind, the production is somewhat clear and somewhat clear is the production. Had I already mentioned that the production is very clear for ‘fast BM’ standards? That is undoubtedly quite striking, but I would not say it affects the philosophy behind the ‘style’ in anyway whatsoever.
On the whole, it looks like the album is ‘homogeneous’ ~ not repetitive, but coherent. I suppose this small detail will probably be enough for me to start looking for previous ARKONA releases, as this one really is starting to grow on me.
I had almost forgotten to mention the fact that song titles and playing time share the same characteristic: the length. Here are a couple of examples to illustrate the statement: Kiedy Glaz Nadaje Ksztalt Boskiej Naturze/Krag Ognia… 0r Niezwykle Uciazliwa Droga Do Gwiazd Oraz Odwieczna Niemoc W Zrozumieniu. Whatever that means.
Official Site Arkona | Myspace Arkonahorde
Cover Arkona – Zeta Reticuli Front
Arkona – Gorycz ?ez Nektaru Wieczno?ci