CoC : Arckanum - Fran Marder : Review

Arckanum - _Fran Marder_
(Necropolis Records, 1996)
by: Adrian Bromley (6 out of 10)

Draped in mysticism and darkness, the latest release by Swedish primitive death metal outfit Arckanum is one of the most intriguing releases I have heard in some time, due in part to the skillful stylings of the album's music provided by sole musician Shamaatae. Their debut album for Necropolis Records, _Fran Marder_ (From the Forest), is an interesting look into the lifestyle of those that live for, respect, and worship the way of the wilderness and for the god Pan (God of the Forest). The music here is simple and primitive death metal with screams and heavy clusters of guitar bursts but when enhanced by the sounds of nature and sung in old Swedish dialect, it makes for a rather dynamic combination that sheds light on Shamaatae's creativity and his passion for his work. Hard to decipher the names of several tracks (as they are written in ancient Swedish) but worthy and enjoyable listens are "Hbila Pa Tronen Min", title track, "Sbinna", and "Gaba Fran Trulen". After listening to _Fran Mader_, my thousands of hours playing Dungeons & Dragons as a 7th Level Druid character seems lifeless and uninspired, the complete opposite of the realism and authenticity Shamaatae reveals to us about his experiences "in the woods."

(article published 10/5/1996)

CHATS
12/8/1997	S Hoeltzel	Arckanum: The Wood Is His 'Hood

ALBUMS
8/7/1998	A Wasylyk	2	Arckanum - Kampen
7/6/1997	S Hoeltzel	9	Arckanum - Kostogher