They have always had much more in common with Eluveitie than Korpiklaani, but that infernal ‘folk metal’ tag continues to distract people from just what a phenomenal band Arkona have become over the last 15 years. Whether due to their undeniably unique perspective as Russians or to the robustly expressed sincerity of their pagan ideals – vocalist Masha has apparently written out this album’s lyrics in her own blood – Khram is fascinating, challenging and exciting from eerie start to devastated finish. The expected wistful folk melodies played on traditional instruments are here, of course, but the album’s atmospheric core grows from a blend of guitarist Lazar’s weird, windswept riffs and Masha’s haunting and haunted entreaties. Best exemplified by 12-minute centrepiece Rebenok Bez Imeni, a sustained rush of furious melancholy with dynamics to burn, Khram is a wildly adventurous personal best for all concerned.
Arkona - Khram album review
Russian progressive pagans set folk metal ablaze
You can trust Louder Our experienced team has worked for some of the biggest brands in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our experts aim to create reviews you can trust. Find out more about how we review.
More about metal hammer
Metallica’s Kirk Hammett is open to making another Load-style album: “We might just say, ‘OK, let’s go back to the ’90s again.’ It’s not a bad idea.”
"Instrumental albums are often made by musicians for musicians, so we wanted to keep things tuneful and hold the listener’s attention" How Animals As Leaders broke the mould with The Joy Of Motion
