ARCANA

ARCANA
RASPAIL (2008)
320 KBPS

For those pining for the deathly side of lustrous medieval beauty, look no further than Arcana.
In general, one could describe the atmosphere conjured within Raspail as being rather introspective, even bordering upon esoteric. Fronted by the hypnotizing, deep voice of Peter Bjärgö, this project in some ways could be compared to those fallen regents of the medieval genre, Dead Can Dance; even Bjärgö's own presence is at times like a specter of Brendan Perry. However, the key word here is "specter;" Arcana may also be quite rooted in the neoclassical, yet their facade is far more grim in comparison.
If one could pinpoint Raspail with a single word, it would perhaps be "haunted." This Swedish band here has effectively painted a work in ancient instruments and vivid hymns the feeling of being lost in a Scandinavian forest in winter, as the sun begins to set for a 30 day span. Chilly and certainly macabre, it is a must for fans of the bleaker ends of the neo-folk genre.

1. Abrakt
2. Sight of relief
3. Invisible motions
4. Outside your world
5. Parisal
6. Autumnal
7. Out of the gray ashes
8. Lost in time
9. In remembrance
10. Circumspection