Arkona «Goi, Rode, goi!» CD

Let’s get one thing straight from the very start. Folk metal has never been my thing not because I dislike the genre itself but because most folk metal bands, especially those in my country are more focused on appearance and putting up a show than they are on actually making some music. Not that there’s something wrong with good appearance but there must be some good music to go along with it. After all that’s the main purpose isn’t it? Of course there are always exceptions. And Arkona is leading there.

I was introduced to this band in the best way possible: live. When going at festivals you’re bound to find some new and exciting bands you knew nothing about which is exactly how I got to know these guys. And they are also my first Russian metal band. So shortly after they tore a hole through my soul with a great treat of jaw-drops, goosies and emotions in a fabulous live performance I started digging into their discography. «Goi, Rode, Goi,!» is probably their most appreciated release with songs like «Liki Bessmertnikh Bogov» and «Yarilo» that have become some of the bands greatest «hits», if you can call them that way… Expectations were high but, as it turns out, really easy to top. For one, writing a one hour long album without getting boring is a tough challenge. Writing a one hour and twenty minute long album and keeping the listener in awe all the way through it is out of this world. Still, they did it.

This is undoubtedly a folk metal album. But it is also so much more. There are elements of black metal, atmospheric tracks and an overall massive sound. And they are put together so well that it keeps the whole thing interesting and diverse but doesn’t over-do anything. The band’s worth is found in the evolved technique and virtuosity as well as the capacity to express a wide variety of emotions and to make the songs flow together as one. Guitars and drums are far from your everyday folk metal band especially with the occasional blast beats and tremolo picking that so clearly put a hint of black metal over the intense folk/pagan sound that dominates most songs. «Tropoyu Nevedannoi» is a good example of their black metal tendencies. But there are also more complicated patterns here with the groovy side of things going along . The intro riff of the title track and of the whole album is a good example of the capacity to tackle a bit of progressive stuff and create some very interesting rhythms. Sergey, despite not being the best guitarist in the world or some mad shredder, is definitely a strong musician especially through his amazing versatility. In this album alone he went through heavy riffs, very groovy and pretty progressive elements, the black metal’s tremolo pick and some really juicy acoustic guitars and other acoustic string instruments. The folk traditional instruments are another key element to creating their awesome and unique sound that stands out so well.

But beyond all these elements it is simply the way this album makes you feel from the very first note up until the end. The atmosphere is massive and intense at times while oscillating between dark and positive vibes and never lingering on one for too long. The intro track is the best example of what I now call «epic» folk metal with a really massive and glorious sound. This also appears close to the end of the album in «Arkona». Other songs are more dark and really harsh like «Tropoyu Nevedannoi» and «Kolo Navi». Then you have the typical folk metal sound (with some extra spices though) in «Pamiat» or «Nevidal». Short acoustic pieces come every now and then («Korochun», «Kupalets») to bring some awesome slavonic tradition with a tribal percussion sound and an overall ritual feel. There’s also the awesome 15 minute long narrative called «Na Moey Zemle» with guests from many different bands singing in their native languages. This one really demands mentioning since, despite not being able to understand the lyrics (Russian, Swedish, German, Dutch and so on, are all languages I can’t speak.) I really get the feel of a story from the way it evolves, instrumentally as well as vocally and shifts through so many moods.

So diversity is far from being a problem with this album. What is a problem though is the fact that after all this praise I still didn’t mention what’s most important and that is the one and only Masha «Scream». She is what makes this band so amazing. The contrasts between her beautiful clean vocals and the beastly harshness in the screams and growls always keep you fascinated. The awesome capacity to express all sorts of emotions with ease as well as the pure sound of her voice are out of this world. She will bring you down in tears then pump you full of joy and energy before crushing you down once more. And the harshness is a blast of power through your energy transporting all vibes straight to your very core. There’s also a really crunchy sound to her growls that I absolutely love! Shit-loads of layers added and even choirs from time to time ensure that all this majestic epicness is exploited to the fullest. Still, it’s not the vocals that make her so amazing. She is the only one in all female fronted metal bands I know who actually writes the music. All that awesomeness came from her mind and that is why she earned my respect.

So there we have it. An 80 minute long album from a genre I’m not really keen on has left me speechless. I guess I saw it coming after that show but it still hit me much harder than I thought it would. It probably isn’t the best thing I ever heard but it’s easily one of the best. And with «Goi, Rode, Goi!» I was introduced to the Russian metal scene! Long live Arkona!