Arkona - Ot Serdca K Nebu

The Russian band Arkona have been very successful in the Slavic folk metal scene, having released four CDs and a DVD. Many folk and pagan metal fans might not be familiar with them since they've been on a Russian record label and haven't had worldwide exposure. That's changing with Ot Serdca K Nebu, which was originally released in the fall of 2007. It's been licensed by Napalm Records and the band will get much wider exposure.

Ot Serdca K Nebu (which translates to "From The Heart To The Sky) blends traditional and Russian folk instruments with harder edged metal. Arkona's brand of pagan metal runs the gamut from peppy acoustic folk to epic battle flavored songs to dark and harsh tracks. Adding lighter progressive touches and darker black metal influences helps give them a distinctive sound.

Frontwoman Masha "Scream" Arhipova is an excellent vocalist. Whether she's singing melodically to a soft acoustic part, belting it out over layers of instruments or screaming and growling, she's always compelling and stands out.

Ot Serdca K Nebu is a very well done folk/pagan metal album. It has a lot of diversity, exploring both the darkness and the light, which makes for a well rounded and enjoyable listening experience.

(released July 29, 2008 on Napalm Records)