One Listen Review
1st Listen – 12 June 2023
Reviewed – 13 June 2023
Arkona – Kob
Napalm Records
Released 16 June 2023
Arkona are, I am ashamed to admit, a band that I am completely new to. The fact that Kob is there 9th studio album damages my metal credentials. Perhaps my shame can be mitigated by the fact that in the early 2000’s, my taste in music was evolving and so Arkona would not have registered anywhere near my radar.
Let us get the main part of the review out there. This is an album that I am going to listen to for the 2nd time after I finish this review. It is, quite simply, a seriously enjoyable listen, with long tracks that are full of subtle and not-so-subtle nuances and I am 100% certain that this album will deliver listen after listen after listen. After I listen for a 2nd time, I am going to spend the next few days scoping out their back catalogue. Arkona are a band I am going to enjoy I feel.
Book-ended by two instrumental tracks, there are 6 songs proper on the album, with each of the 6 lasting over minutes. Kob is not an album to delve in and out of, it requires your complete attention.
A mention must go to the album opening, however, as Izrechenie. Nachalo perfectly introduces the album with its mixture of whispered, almost ritualistic chanting, almost like a ceremonial spell being read. It is entrancing and leads you into first song proper, Kob that treats you to a catchy, almost sludge-sounding riff as the track then expands in your mind. It is a very strong opening.
Arkona then don’t let up. Kob is pretty much an hour long, but it never feels its length. Even the excellent, Ydi with a magnificent almost 12 minute run time has enough variety within it to make you think that it is over far too soon. Other tracks have a more relaxed bass-line, whereas others try to vary the song introductions, so you are not hit with aggression from the 1st second.
The variety to Kobis key. Without it, Arkona would have just released another pagan/folk/black metal album that would fade in the mind and sit on your shelf, allowing your eyes to pass over it when you are choosing your daily listen. Arkona might be 9 albums in, but they have not a shred of complacency amongst them and have released one of the more intriguing albums of 2023 that will warrant many listens. Highly recommended.
Band Website: https://www.arkona-russia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkonarussia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkonarussia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Arkonarussia
The DevilsHorns 
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