Pagan metal leaders ARKONA return after five years with intriguing Kob’!
After a five-year wait, pagan metal ensemble ARKONA makes an impactful return with their ninth studio album, "Kob’," scheduled for release on June 16, 2023, through Napalm Records. In a resurgence of their signature style, the band delves into the profound depths of vocalist Masha Scream's philosophical musings on the future of modern human existence, juxtaposing their music with the radiant hues of pagan traditions.
Having amassed an impressive discography comprising eight albums and millions of streams across various platforms, the eight fresh compositions on "Kob'" offer a unique glimpse into a new facet of the band's artistry, forging an exciting new chapter in their musical journey. Easing listeners into an otherworldly experience, the album opener "Izrechenie. Nachalo" (translated as "The Speech. The Beginning") extends a guiding hand, leading them through hypnotic soundscapes of eerie whispers and hushed voices – a recurring motif throughout the album. As society rekindles connections with long-forgotten epochs, "Kob'" (meaning "Sorcery") reanimates these ancient days, infusing them with haunting melodies and the compelling vocal prowess of Masha. A symphony of pristine clean vocals sets the stage for enchanting melodic synths and somber guitar melodies, a stark contrast to a world that often buries current events within the depths of its collective consciousness.
Channeling the essence of their pagan roots through the lens of the modern era, "Ugasaya" (translated as "Fadin’ Away") takes center stage, marked by rhythmic synths and an infectious bassline. The track exemplifies ARKONA's musical diversity, skillfully fusing various elements into a harmonious whole. Evoking the raw power of mother earth, the enigmatic melody whisks the mind away to a realm apart, underscored by swift tornado-like blast beats. The interplay between cascading guitar riffs and soaring harmonies, punctuated by Masha's layered clean vocals, engenders an epic contrast, sending shivers down the spine.
While the heart of "Kob'" beats to the rhythm of pagan metal, "Mor," one of the album's lengthier compositions, veers closer to the realms of black metal, emerging as a monumental anthem. Playful acoustic guitar fingerpicking intertwines with characteristic death metal riffs, punctuated by the haunting cadence of wind instruments and synthetic effects that beckon listeners deeper into the abyss. As history unfolds, mankind becomes both the harbinger and the bearer of plagues, a theme eloquently expressed through Masha's keyboard solo on the emotionally charged "Razryvaya plot' ot bezyskhodnosti bytiya" (translated as "Tearing the flesh owing to the despair of being"). Here, the aggression of deep growls and breakneck guitar shredding finds an emotional counterpoint in contemplative wind instruments and acoustic guitar interludes, a musical portrayal of society's self-inflicted wounds borne from warfare, religious dogmas, and environmental woes.
Bringing "Kob'" to a climactic close with the cataclysmic finale of "Izrechenie. Iskhod" (translated as "The Speech. The Conclusion"), ARKONA masterfully weaves ancient pagan metal motifs with a contemporary sonic essence through their meticulous production and rich stylistic range. This ninth opus stands as a profound reflection on humanity's descent into turmoil, simultaneously captivating new listeners and reigniting the fervor of devoted fans, all the while embodying ARKONA's undying spirit and sonic evolution.
Release Date: 16.06.2023
Photo Credit: Edaliana Rennenkampf
Kob' Tracklisting:
1. Izrechenie. Nachalo
2. Kob'
3. Ydi
4. Ugasaya
5. Mor
6. Na zakate bagrovogo solntsa
7. Razryvaya plot' ot bezyskhodnosti bytiya
8. Izrechenie. Iskhod
ARKONA are:
Masha "Scream" - Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion
Sergei "Lazar" - Guitars
Ruslan "Kniaz" - Bass
Vladimir "Volk" - Wind Instruments
Alexander Smirnov - Drums
ARKONA online:
Website
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Napalm Records
