ARKONA

After five years, the pagan folk metal band ARKONA has returned with their ninth studio album, Kob’. This album explores the dark philosophical insights of vocalist Masha Scream and her vision of humanity’s future, while remaining deeply rooted in pagan traditions. With eight new tracks, the band adds a new chapter to their discography, centered around mystical atmospheres and haunting melodies. Kob’ takes the listener on a journey through powerful, ominous sounds. The opener, Izrechenie. Nachalo, creates a hypnotic atmosphere with whispered voices, while the title track, Kob’, revives ancient times with foreboding melodies and Masha’s distinctive vocals. Tracks like Ugasaya blend modern and traditional elements, featuring dynamic synths, deep basslines, and intense blast beats. The epic Mor leans towards black metal, alternating acoustic passages with brutal riffs and symphonic accents. The album delves into humanity’s self-destructive nature, as heard in Razryvaya plot' ot bezyskhodnosti bytiya, where melancholic wind instruments and acoustic guitars clash with raw growls and rapid guitar riffs. The closing track, Izrechenie. Iskhod, paints an apocalyptic ending, with Kob’ staying true to pagan metal traditions while embracing modern production techniques and musical diversity. With this album, ARKONA takes a dark, immersive step forward in their musical evolution.