Arckanum – Motestandarin
Arckanum – Motestandarin
Darkness Shall Rise
Release date: 20/07/26
Review by Oli Gonzalez
8/10
Sweden. A nation that’s produced black metal royalty, including the likes of Marduk, Waitain, and Vinterland. As well as the band that arguably started it all, Bathory! Amongst many, many more. It’s difficult to call yourself a legend within that scene, as Arckanum label themselves as. Though being around since the early 90s and having produced well over a dozen releases (Eps and full-lengths) suggests that I’m amongst those not in the know and in the uninitiated. Let the initiation begin, with the brief two-track EP “Motestandarin”, designed to prime us for future full-lengths that have already been written by the band!
Well, this is going to be short and sweet. The EP kicks off with an ominous, almost cult-like spoken passage. Then the drums, bass, and guitars join, slowly building a densely layered tapestry and wall of atmosphere. The atmosphere is driven by the infectious and epic guitar tones! That’s definitely worth a few repeats! Arckanum clearly knows how to create that hellish infernal atmosphere that is somehow rooted in an opulent and inviting melodic package, again driven by the glorious guitar tones. The 5-minute piece covers a lot of ground, slowly building tension and intrigue in a deceptively complex passage, all before unleashing this in a rewarding, cathartic crescendo. You won’t be waiting long for this, though, so the journey is certainly worth it as it’s so short! ‘Anskoti’ seems to pick up where ‘Skaepna Aer Krigh’ left off, with more opulent tones to indulge in, as well as that grotesque, introspective atmosphere. Then things slow to a glacial drip with an extended ambient and spoken word/growled passage. I have no idea what’s going on here, especially as it’s not in my native tongue. All I know is that the suspense is becoming unbearable and I need to hear that wall of sound when it inevitably comes. Perhaps not as crushing and overwhelming as I had wished for, but strong and immersive enough…and then it’s all over. Way too quick! Yep, I’m sold…now for the band’s upcoming releases they’re promising.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Skaepna Aer Krigh
02. Anskoti
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal, with photos used with kind permission of Necroshons. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
