Distortions from Cosmogony
Review by: Jim Harrison
Rating: 8.5
Danish extreme metal band The Arcane Order released their fourth album, Distortions from Cosmogony June 9, 2023 via Black Lion Records to fans worldwide.
I like this band’s ability to meld extreme, black, death, doom, topping off a melodic metal sound. If you are a fan of any one of these genres than you are in for a real treat. The songs showcase what I love about metal, great melody, extreme sound that is quite catchy, really delivering a metal experience that is all it’s own. It’s great that in 2023 we have bands like this who create such groundbreaking albums bringing something new to the listener.
The album starts with a quick intro ripping into the first track and single released “Cry Of Olympus” which is like a punch to the face, getting your attention. It sets the pace of what this album is all about and is one of my favourite tracks. Vocalist Kim Song Sternkoph sounds fantastic on this track. Next song “A Blinding Trust in Chosen Kings” starts with a massive drum beat, strong bass and duelling guitars and again those low growling vocals really suit this song. It slows about halfway through then the vocals run high creating a melodic interlude and finishing brutally strong. Both tracks “Starvations For Elysium” and “Flavours For Significant“ have a strong bass and drum beat that pound the listener into submission. We hit a musical interlude with “Empedocles Dream” and then smash into “The First Deceiver” where the vocals just launch this song into the stratosphere. “Ideals of Wretched Kingdoms” has my favourite lyric in it with “Of what is true or right or real, But forced to qualify or so I feel.,Or well, it does seem so: someone must know”. This is my other favourite on the album. The next track “Children of the Erebos” has more of a heavy melodic feel to it, the vocals going from low to high make this song actually catchy and has a great flow it it. The last track “Wings of Duality” finishes the album off in style. The lighter doom sound with the pounding of the bass and drums sound awesome turned up on my system. I really like the low vocals then punching them high on the pounding drum parts. This song has great flow and would be awesome live.
The albums artwork by Ars Moriendee is absolutely stunning keeping in line with the theme of the album looking inward and challenging one’s self.
At fifty eight minutes this album has something for all metal fans. It’s extreme, fast, technical and well written. The musicianship and vocals keep true to their identity and this is where they shine. I am hoping many new fans check this out as it will only enhance your play lists. I recommend picking this up.
Kim Song Sternkoph vocals
Fleming C. Lund. Guitar
Kasper Kierkegaard Guitar
Anders Frodo S. Mikkelsen Bass
Bastion Thusgaard Drums