Band: Arkona
Title: Goi, Rode, Goi!
Label: Napalm Records
Distribution: Hardlife Promotion
Release date: 30/10/2009
Review: CD

There used to be a Moscow-based formation called Arkona, playing NSBM, that changed its moniker into Varyag afterwards, but Goi, Rode, Goi! is the newest effort done by the Folk / Pagan Metal formation that consists of members from e.g. Nargathrond and Rossomahaar. This formation started six years ago and did release several positively reviewed recordings, making this band one of the most important ones from Russia within the international Pagan-scene.
This new album lasts for about eighty minutes (!!! No kidding !!!), which will make it not that easy. But… it is worth it every single minute! Nowadays we’re getting overcrowded with Folk Metal releases and the problem is that most of them just sound like another. Every (new) band wants to sound like the most popular ones, and the well-known ones’ new recordings sound like their early ones in case these were received well. But Arkona are different. Luckily…
First of all, this band uses traditional elements from their home country. I can’t (and won’t) specifically define the individual details that are ‘typically Russian’, but the traditional approach clearly differs from, let’s say, the Scandinavian or Baltic ones. Of course the same goes for the use of traditional instruments.
Second of all, the compositions are not predictably filled with cliché’s in the vein of, let’s say, Finntroll, Vintersorg or Adorned Brood (with all respect to these bands - not to all boring copycats). There are no fake progressive or pseudo-modern additions - on the contrary, the whole exhales a purity rather seldom lately. The formation developed a proper approach throughout the years, and it shows! Besides, the equilibrium between heavy, up-tempo pieces, atmospheric parts and epic / orchestral ones has been created with intelligence and pleasure!
Also vocally everything fits. Yes, there are grunts and screams, harmonious and epic chants and choirs, female voices, spoken words etc, but they’re used correctly. Don’t get me completely wrong: it isn’t the most unique use of vocal timbres ever used at all; yet again it’s been performed with the goal to impress, not just to sell (even though the band signed to major Napalm, one of the biggest Pagan / Folk labels at this very moment).
The album is closer related to, for example, Asmegin or Heathen Foray (even though they don’t sound alike at all - it’s just a statement I want to make) than Tumulus, Moonsorrow, Turisaz, higher mentioned bands and so on, which accompanies my thoughts to a rather unique approach within Folk / Pagan. And that’s why it will reach another audience, less playing on safe.
Oh yes, what about guest vocals by members of no less than Menhir, Skyforger, Månegarm and Heidevolk?!
Top release in its genre!

84/100

Ivan Tibos.