ARCKANUM – Sviga Lae

"Sviga Lae" is the sixth full-length album from Sweden’s Arckanum. On the first couple of spins, this unassuming disc makes little impact. The songs come across as quite basic and simple and there doesn’t seem to be too much going on. Before long, however, the tone of the album starts to seep into your bones. Layers of subtly discordant riffs enfold you, storms of blastbeats surround you, and you become fully absorbed. After that, the experience gets better with each listen as the song structures and atmosphere begin to work their gnostic magic.
 
For those who like BM with a balanced, modern production, I’d say this release is a pretty safe bet, but there are times when you wish the songs were more immediate and that the whole package was a little more consistent. Opening track “Læ Elr” is a monster that keeps you going back for more and the excellent, mid-paced “In Følva Felr” will surprise quite a few listeners. It reminded me at times of “Orion” by Metallica. Good stuff!

"Sviga Lae" is an intelligently written, well-structured and dynamic album, with Shamaatae’s musicianship faultless throughout. This is my first encounter with Arckanum, and I definitely impressed. I will be checking out their other releases and keeping an eye out for them in the future.
 
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