Arkan

Oriental Metal - France

Arkan Band

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…

Line-up:

  • Foued Moukid : drums & percussion
  • Florent Jannier : growls
  • Samir Remila : bass
  • Mus Elkamal : guitars, acoustic guitars, oûd

This band is no longer active on Season of Mist.

Posted on September 18, 2014

French Oriental metal act ARKAN are premiering the first video clip taken from their third full-length ‘Sofia’. “Hayati” is now exclusively streaming via these official media partners:

Posted on May 21, 2014

Melodic Oriental metallers ARKAN are now premiering their upcoming third full-length ‘Sofia’, due May 23rd (May 27th in North America). You can listen to the album in its entirety via the following partners’ websites:

Posted on May 6, 2014

Melodic Oriental metal act ARKAN is now premiering a new song from their forthcoming third full-length ‘Sofia’, due May 23rd (May 27th in North America). The track entitled “Endless Way” is now streaming as a world exclusive on La Grosse Radio!

Posted on April 29, 2014

French Oriental metal act ARKAN is now premiering a new track of their forthcoming third full-length ‘Sofia’, out on May 23rd (May 27th in North America). The song entitled “Wingless Angels” is now streaming via the following official media partners:

Posted on March 19, 2014

French / North African act ARKAN’s third album is entitled ‘Sofia’ and will be released on May 23rd (May 27th in North America). Simultaneously with the premiere of opening track “Hayati”, the Oriental Metal band unveiled the cover artwork and track listing of ‘Sofia’. See details below:

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