Arkona – Stenka Na Stenku

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Wild Russian folk metal act Arkona, fronted by the vocally diverse Masha “Screamâ€�, have returned with a mini CD full of unreleased tracks. Well, that is four non-album tracks, one song off their next record (due this summer), and then an acoustic version of the title track from 2009′s Goi, Rode, Goi! album. The title track, Stenka Na Stenku, is less folk metal and more folk punk; a fast, bouncy tune that’s fun and danceable. Its heavy on the accordion and tin whistle (or at least, some type of whistle), with a strong Russian folk rhythm that’s practically polka. Valenki more or less continues on from where Stenka Na Stenku leaves off, albeit the heavier metal influences become much more apparent. Goi, Rode, Goi! provides a slower moment on the EP (unusually, given the original), before Skal returns to make things a bit heavier – adding a guest appearance from Varg‘s Freki on vocals. Duren starts off synth-ladden on its intro, before breaking into another slow number, whilst Noviy Mir wraps things up with a slow, contemplative melody. Overall the EP is enjoyable, but not very satisfying. Most of the tracks feel like the non-album tracks they are – left overs. That’s not to say they aren’t any good, but the nagging feeling with this EP is it’s just passing time until the next album. Arkona do prove how varied their style is though, running between vastly different areas of folk metal. There’s no denying the band are rather good, but this EP can serve only as a taster – we’ll have to wait a while longer for the main event.

Written by James Donovan
More: 2011, EPs, Folk Metal, Quick.Play Reviews, Arkona