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Аркона > Жизнь во славу... > Reviews
Аркона - Жизнь во славу...

Dispensable Live Effort - 70%

Sean16, August 4th, 2009

Alright, I’ll begin with once again stating I’m probably a tad biased against live albums as a whole, however let’s admit coming from a band as insane and unpredictable as Arkona (Rus), this very one appears by contrast fairly standard, thus slightly disappointing.

As expected, the setlist focuses heavily on the then last album to date, Vo Slavu Velikim, which isn’t a bad thing given it’s probably the act’s best effort yet. Otherwise three songs are taken from the debut: the unavoidable Maslenitsa, the majestic epic Rus’ as well as, oddly, a deep album track which already sounded lacklustre in its original version (Po Zverinym Tropam) and now all the more does when thrown amongst more recent material. Two songs from the sophomore album Lepta, including the sing-along folk closer Oi To Ne Vecher, complete the program.

All these songs, however, sound pretty close to their original versions. That’s the main reason why I deemed this release disappointing as, while apart from the already mentioned exception they’re all very good, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t expect a live album to be more than a mere compilation. Granted, you’ll get the obviously drunken crowd (just look at the pictures... we’re in Russia, by the way) cheering between the tracks – Maaaa-SHA! Maaaa-SHA! Maaaa-SHA! – as well as a bit of singing from this same crowd on Oi To Ne Vecher or above all Rus’, but the band’s performance in itself most of time appears like a faithful copy from the original recordings. To take it to an extreme I’m sure on a few songs random crowd noise could have been digitally added to the album versions for pretty much the same result. Slightly frustrating, even if this at least proves the guys are able to properly play their own songs... And can you please tell me why, on what is supposed to be the recording from a single show, you get ten seconds of silence at the end of track 4?

The production, as you must have guessed, is exceptionally clear, what again subtracts a bit more from the live experience. Also I wonder whether additional instruments like the accordion on Skvoz’ Tuman Vekov, the glockenspiel on Rus’ or the keyboards on a few other tracks were truly played live, as they sound suspiciously high in the mix. The booklet doesn’t give any clue, and as three fourths of the pictures are centered on Masha Arhipova anyway they won’t be of much help to this respect. Such considerations might not be of much concern to some of the listeners, but this nonetheless further concurs to a too polished, a bit too artificial album.

Apart from this Miss Masha seems to be fully at ease when interacting with the audience, though I’m ready to guess the exact meaning of said interactions will remain a mystery to most listeners. It may be noted on the other hand her singing isn’t as brilliant as on the albums – so, after all, this is indeed a real live recording – as, while her very demanding clean voice remains top-notch all throughout the show, her harsh voice seems to be running out of steam towards the end; it’s especially obvious on Vosstanie Roda. Well, this at least shows our little lady is human, and shouting for nearly one hour with a stuffed fox around the neck without suffocating isn’t given to anyone.

It should also be mentioned this release undoubtedly gains interest with the addition on some (all?) versions of the three songs from the Rus’ demo, but those might be discussed in another review. Ignoring this Jizn’ Vo Slavu is probably a dispensable recording for those who already own Arkona’s three first full-lengths (especially Vo Slavu Velikim), though there’s little to say against the performance itself, but more about its too high similarity to said full-lengths. And Masha is definitely a cute girl but if you plan having sex with her, better wear good earplugs.

Better Live Than In The Studio - 95%

winterheathen, June 6th, 2008

Arkona should need no introduction for those into pagan folk metal, but they probably do anyway. Moscow's finest band is led by the beautiful and charismatic Masha "Scream" one of the most unique vocalists in metal today, regardless of genre. She can sing softly and sound great, or use her harsh vocal style and give Angela Gassow a run for her money. She is backed by a very capable ensemble, most of whom are from veteran black metallers Rossomahaar.

This is Arkona's live album, recorded in the Relax Club in Moscow. The crowd, small in number, is very energetic, singing along and calling out the band name numerous times, and Masha's name in particular. She deserves the acclaim, as she is clearly the star of the show. She engages the crowd often, I just wish I knew what she was saying, as its all obviously in Russian, as are the lyrics. What I do know is that the band have an unparalleled love of their home country, Mother Russia. This is exemplified in their finest song ever, Rus. This song has it all, stirring melodies. epic vocals, beautiful synths, and catchy guitar riffs. It is indeed a crowning achievement in pagan metal history.

Masha, with her limitless energy, eggs the crowd on in nearly every track, from the tribal sounding Tuman Yarom to the epic Po Siroy Zemle. It must be mentioned that the sound of the album is superb, the crowd never once drowns out the band, as happens all to often on live albums. The disc concludes with three demos of older songs, two of which are not covered live, the other, a haunting version of Rus.

For all those who are now just discovering this wonderful band thanks to their new deal with Napalm Records, know this: The band have always been this good, even when barely known outside their home country.