Arkona

A Moscow, Russia-based folk/pagan-metal outfit that incorporates traditional regional musical instrumentation and draws influence from Slavic mythology and Russian folklore, Arkona was formed in 2002 by vocalist Maria “Masha Scream” Arkhipova and her husband, guitarist Sergei “Lazar” Atrashkevich, both of whom were members of the Dolgoprudny Slavic Neopaganism Society. Originally operating under the moniker Hyperborea, the group transitioned to Arkona in early 2003 and began playing live. They released their debut long-player, Vozrozhdenie (Revival), in early 2004, with Lepta (The Contribution) arriving later in the year. 2005′s Vo Slavu Velikim! (For the Glory of Great!) saw the group eschew the more synthesized, keyboard-driven elements of their prior releases for traditional instrumentation, and included a slew of guest musicians, including Vladimir Cherepovskiy (Mervent, ex-Voinstvo Sidov, Veter Vody, Trio Mario), as well as members of fellow folk-metallers Svarga and Alkonost. Subsequent offerings Ot Serdca K Nebu (From the Heart to the Sky) and Goi, Rode, Goi! followed suit, with the latter arriving via Napalm Records. 2011′s ambitious Slovo added a choir and chamber orchestra to the mix, and 2013′s Yav saw the band incorporate elements of black metal into their already considerable sonic arsenal. Arkona’s eighth studio long-player, Khram, followed in 2018. ~ James Christopher Monger