Proudly signed by Napalm Records, the stunning female-fronted Arkona returns with a brand new studio album full of Slavic pagan fury, confirming its position as one of the best exponents of the Russian folk metal scene.

Fourteen songs containing all the things you expect from a folk metal record: suitably-played traditional instruments, powerful and dynamic guitar-riffs and some dose of warrior choirs, specially on "Na Moey Zemile". This time, drums present a dazzling vitality, and as usual, lyrics are totally in Russian.

Although I reviewed their previous album, I think that Masha's vocals become a more and more unique feature over time. Screaming with all her soul into it, Masha's voice is overwhelming from the beginning to the end, sounding as Russian as no-one else could sound, if you know what I mean, 'cause I won't explain. Just try the short "Pritcha" and you'll feel the original Russian spirit.

"Goi, Rode, Goi" (Hail, Rod, Hail!), which praises the almighty Slavic god Rode, displays a rhythmic base closer to Symphonic Black Metal than the previous album, a bit on the trend of what is being done in Scandinavia. However, it obviously adds a considerable amount of traditional Russian elements that make it different from that Viking stuff. "Pamiat" is a good example of this, a great ballad and a superb Slavic tune. And what to say about "Nebo Hmurow, Tuchi Mrachniye", killing and thrilling end, even without understanding Russian.

In addition to the force deployed by musicians on this occasion, we must recognize that they have not been stingy when recording well over an hour of material. Arkona seems to walk the right way, improving and evolving from album to album.