Yav

CD/DVD combo:This is quite a soul stirring and extremely atmospheric CD with the main vocals more in the background this time. The more I listen to this music, the more I feel that this could be a soundtrack for a movie that moves me and makes me feel as though I've been transported to another place and time. It's like secretly stumbling upon a tribal or primal music celebration deep in the forest.The new CD/album "Yav" shows Arkona's prowess heading in a very different and musically challenging direction. Previously, their music had a reliable formula that you could count on: catchy melodies, driving drum beats, guitar riffs, clear vocals,interspersed choir accompaniment, chanting, whispering and growling in the foreground. And there was absolutely nothing wrong with the formula, but the new music is a welcome change of pace. Their previous music was like a hearty satisfying meat and potatoes dish, whereas the new music is more like a buffet, giving the listener many different flavors to experience. I enjoy all of their music so I can't say that this is better or worse. It's simply just different."Yav" is haunting and beautiful, but it's also technical and cohesive. This music takes itself seriously from start to finish! It has layers upon layers of dynamic sound with complex musical arrangements. There's a lot of emotion and pulse-quickening drumming that flows and ebbs. There are even new percussive sounds that really add to the overall tone and mood. Masha's vocals weave in and out of each song in a seamless fashion that is different from all the other music composed thus far. I believe that her singing has more nuance this time around. I sense a new level of expertise overall with musical compositions, singing and playing various modern and medieval instruments.This is definitely a folk metal CD, but not as folksy as their previous CD "Slovo," released in 2011. "Slovo" was an exceptionally melodic CD that was easy to tap your feet to and hum along with, but it's almost the opposite of "Yav" in that respect. Instead, there is a lot of intricate harmonizing among all musicians. I would definitely recommend "Yav" to fans and perhaps new listeners who may not have been able to get into Arkona's previous music. In my opinion, this is truly a work of art and it was well worth the three year wait!!! This CD/DVD set came with a booklet with artwork and the full English translations of all the songs.The DVD is the video companion to the live, 2 CD set, "Decade of Glory." There are 31 songs on the audio CD, and this DVD includes 22 of those songs plus three bonus clips which are older videos that have been online for years. The video and audio on this DVD is very good. I was glad to be able to finally see at least a portion of this amazing 10th anniversary concert in Moscow with choir and string orchestra. For just a few dollars more, it's a bargain to get this DVD along with the new "Yav" CD !!!

I read the review from C.H. and wanted to check Arkona out. And I was very impressed. This is epic folk metal. At times beautiful and then brutal. It will keep you entertained all the way through. C.H.'s review tells it like it is. Arkona has got themselves a new fan in me.

Very good

Although the lyrics are in Russian I still get into this album. Very complex music but melodic at the same time. Have listened to this band nonstop since purchase. Highly recommend this band

Arkona is the finest pagan/folk metal band there is, and they just proved it with this album.

truly great music

ARKONA FOREVER !!!!!!!! I NOW HAVE EVERY CD !! THIS ONE IS A LITTLE MORE METAL,,AWAY FROM THE TRADITIONAL ARKONA,,BUT STILL GREAT !

i like more the two prevoius albums