#65: Arkan
Another representative of the Middle East traditions that is both brutal and soulful
Background Info (Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives):
Country of origin: France
Location: Paris, Île-de-France
Status: Active
Formed in: 2005
Genre: Melodic Death Metal with Middle Eastern influences
Themes: Mesopotamian mythology, Clash of civilizations
Current label: Overpowered Records
Years active: 2005-present
Also from France as is Human Fate, Arkan is as dark, aggressive, and heavy. What makes this band unique, however, are the sorrowful vocal chants that complements their metal qualities. Their style of death metal can be dreary in terms of tempo, making their music a perfect match to their powerful and soul-penetrating clean vocals.
Apart from utilizing West Asian/North African traditional instruments such as the bendir, oud, and doumbek, as well as the Greek bouzouki, they combine grinding metal riffs with melodies based on traditional maqams. The cherry on top are the Arabic lyrics which gives a solidifying touch to the cultural identity of this awesome band. They also offer a few purely folk tracks which serve as exquisite interludes within their discography.
Favorite Albums:
- Hilal (2008)
- Salam (2011)
- Lila H (2020)
Favorite Songs:
- Groans of the Abyss (Hilal)
- Mistress of the Damned Souls(Hilal)
- Tied Fates (Hilal)
- Origins (Salam)
- Beyond Sacred Rules (Salam)
- Dusk to Dawn (Lila H)
- Black Decade (Liha H)
- Crawl (Liha H)
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