Would you like to be the first one to know about new releases, pre order possibilities, discounts and campaigns?
Just add your contact information and subscribe to our newsletter.
On their sophomore full-length "La Masquerade Infernale" (1997),
ARCTURUS took their musical experimenting three ambitious steps further.
The Norwegians succeeded in wedding a devilish concept loosely based on
the characters of Faust and Mephistopheles with an eclectic range of
surreal sound elements into an album that is rightfully considered a
prime example of what later came to be known as avant-garde metal. From
quoting Edgar Allan Poe in operatic paraphrases by frontman Garm (ULVER)
or the additional high notes from the unmistakable I.C.S. Vortex
(BORKNAGAR) via the spaced-out electronic samples, classical
instrumentation, and an even increased use of psychedelic guitar riffage
alongside more "traditional" black and death metal elements. Brilliant
guitarist Knut Magne Valle replaced Carl August Tideman, which brought
stability to this position of the band's line-up. ARCTURUS aimed
dangerously high with "La Masquerade Infernale" – but remarkably pulled
off the extremely difficult feat of forging such widely differing
elements into a wildly fascinating, over the top listening experience
that has stood the test of time and surely deserves to be labelled a
"masterpiece".
Would you like to be the first one to know about new releases, pre order possibilities, discounts and campaigns?
Just add your contact information and subscribe to our newsletter.