All Arkan items

The sudden loss of a life far too young is always a cataclysmic event for those left behind. A void is left in place of what might have been. Pain and tears erase all smiles. "Sofia" is the artistic legacy of such a tragedy that befell a member of ARKAN – a Parisian Metal band founded by former THE OLD DEAD TREE drummer Foued Moukid in the year 2005. That deep personal crisis easily explains the change of musical spirit, which occurred between 2011’s sophomore album "Salam" ("Peace") and "Sofia". The band's trademark whirlwind of Arabic percussion and crushing guitar riffing has audibly matured into a much more melancholic and subtle sound. There are still those magical moments of ancient oriental string instruments, but they blend in more organically than before. The dark warmth of Sarah Layssac's vocals has deservedly gained more room, while Florent Jannier's deep growls now rarely make an appearance in favour of more clean singing. Heartbreaking suffering has been turned into music. Yet instead of wailing in self-pity, beauty and hope are offered without forgetting the scars. Foued founded ARKAN with a clear goal to amalgamate melodic Death Metal with Oriental traditions, whose roots reach deep down into the ethnic sounds of Algeria and Morocco. The result was the debut "Hilal" (2008), which made the band brothers in spirit of Oriental Metal bands such as ORPHANED LAND. Now ARKAN have redefined their style without losing touch of their base. Continuity also dwells in working again with Studio Fredman. "Sofia" is a deeply heartfelt tribute that reveals more secrets of its detailed textures and meaningful melodies with each new spin. There are treasures to be found by those who listen well and with care...