A stop-gap between full-lengths for Moscow’s Arkona, STENKA NA STENKU pronounces “party time!” from the first bar. While it is unfortunately true that Scandinavian pagan metal bands are beginning to lose their identities in the tidal current of genre flooding in the public domain, Arkona keeps its chin lifted and enjoys the time it has.
Yea, there are times herein where the band appears like a Russian cocktail comprising dashes of Ensiferum and Korpiklaani, but that does not stop Arkona from igniting a smile from the listener. Soon enough, we are all drinking and dancing to the swooning carols of merriment and reminiscing of good times past.
Earthen shamanism resonates through the band’s songs and spits forth aural magic that intoxicates the soul, making us forget our mortal burdens, if only for a moment. And despite all of its romantic revelry, STENKA NA STENKU is riff-tastically aggressive in its candor. There is no denying the metal roots ringing through the tracks.
While a new full length is hot on its heels and is much darker in tone and atmosphere, STENKA NA STENKU plays like the calm before the storm (or the summer vacation before the next school year). Although a mere EP, STENKA NA STENKU effortlessly asserts itself as a hallowed hymnal of pagan metal righteousness.
STENKA NA STENKU is available now at Amazon and Amazon Digital.
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