ARCANA
THE LAST EMBRACE
ALBUM COLD MEAT INDUSTRY RELEASE: SPRING 2000 REVIEW: MAY 2, 2000


There is the sound of church bells, of monks chanting in deep voices. It must be a dark time. Perhaps the plague has spread through the country to this particular village. Perhaps a suspected witch is being burned at the stake to lessen the wrath of a cruel, punishing God. Not far away, a war is being fought and swords pierce the flesh of young men mercilessly sent to die on the battlefield.
Arcana conjure up these images with their solemn but powerful orchestral pieces. As bands of Sweden's dark industrial flagship record company Cold Meat Industry come, Arcana belong to the easier listening category. They seem to share a fascination for the - supposedly - dark ages of medieval Europe with their label mates as well as a lot of World Serpent bands and other apocalyptic folk musicians. Sorrow and religious musings colour the music dark red and absinthe green.
To listen to Arcana is to immerse yourself in a strange world. It is worth the trip.

MATTIAS HUSS