David Halbe 
Whether it’s sung in Spanish or Russian, if the style Rock or R&B, melody no matter the form, is an investment.
Watching Bad Bunny’s halftime show at the Super Bowl got me thinking. Heavy metal doesn’t have the same language biases as other musical genres because the commonality runs deeper than just language.
Heavy metal is as much about lifestyle as it is music. The metal scene has its own code, whether it’s a symbol like throwing the horns or dressing up in denim and leather, the groundwork isn’t as dependent upon lyrics as it is sound and emotion.
Arkona is a pagan/folk, black metal band from Moscow, Russia formed back in 2002. Arkona is named after the last pagan Slavic fortress destroyed in 1168 during the Danish crusades led by Bishop Absalon and King Valdemar the Great of Denmark.
Arkona has a massive global following and although they collaborate with other artists internationally, they are committed to using the Russian language almost exclusively in their music.
The band has released nine full length efforts so far, the latest being Kob’ unveiled back in 2023.
Many of Arkona’s releases have been through Napalm Records and are often accompanied by music videos. These official videos are often provided with English subtitles for international audiences.
I’ve been listening to Arkona since 2010. I discovered them during my ‘Folk Metal Phase’ and even saw the band play live at Reggies Rock Club (2150 South State Street, Chicago, IL) during ‘Pagan Fest’ back in 2012.
Ever since that day my favorite Arkona’s album has been Slovo (2011). I listen to it regularly.
Arkona’s music is hard to describe. There are elements of folk music, traditional black metal and ethereal offerings, all leading to a massive sound.
The band’s value can be found in the evolution of technique and virtuosity, as well as their capacity to express a wide array of emotions. Highlight Tracks for me are: “Slovo”, “Nikogda”,”Leshiy”,”Bol’no Mne” and “Stenka na Stenku”.
Arkona is proof that good music, not spoken language truly equals success. Bad Bunny’s halftime show was only thirteen minutes long but listening to Arkona’s Slovo takes around sixty minutes. Whether it’s sung in Spanish or Russian, if the style Rock or R&B, melody no matter the form, is an investment.
I’d like to think the camaraderie of heavy metal is stronger because it really has nothing to do with nationality. Metal has its own style and code, a population of misfits and our musical connection is translatable wherever we go. \m/
ARKONA (2011):
- Masha “Scream”Arkhipova – Vocals, Keyboards, Tambourine, Khomus, Shaman Drums, Shaker
- Sergei “Lazar” Atrashkevich – Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, Balalaika
- Ruslan “Kniaz” Oganyan – Bass
- Vlad “Artist” Sokolov – Drums, Keyboards
- Vladimir “Volk” Reshetnikov – Gaita Gallega, Tin Whistle, Low Whistle, Sopilka, Zhaleika, Blockflute, Hurdy-Gurdy
