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Arcturus



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Original post

Posted by Daru Jericho, 17.05.2006 - 03:40
What do you think of the Norwegian band Arcturus? I'm a big fan of them. I love the black ambience they produce along with their avant-garde music. Definitely an original band by most measures. What did you think of their latest album 'Sideshow Symphonies'? I enjoyed it. Not my favourite but highly enjoyable, no doubt.
04.10.2008 - 07:25
SK921
Account deleted
Oh... then... Garm's vocals are amazing!
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24.11.2008 - 00:40
Visioneerie
Urban Monster
Well this comes as quite unexpected to myself but after regiving a listen to Enslaved's Isa and then hearing Vertebrae, i've been looking for bands for a similar black metal approach. By that i mean avantgarde with prog elements. I found Arcturus and they seem to be quite good so far, listening to their Sideshow Symphonies though i'm a having some trouble with their clean vox.
Any other bands in this style I should know of ?
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Any man can stand adversity, but to test his character give him power - A. Lincoln
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24.11.2008 - 00:49
!J.O.O.E.!
Account deleted
Written by Visioneerie on 24.11.2008 at 00:40

Well this comes as quite unexpected to myself but after regiving a listen to Enslaved's Isa and then hearing Vertebrae, i've been looking for bands for a similar black metal approach. By that i mean avantgarde with prog elements. I found Arcturus and they seem to be quite good so far, listening to their Sideshow Symphonies though i'm a having some trouble with their clean vox.
Any other bands in this style I should know of ?

Transcending Bizarre? (question mark intentional). Check out their 'The Four Scissors' album. I swear to god it's 10 times better than anything Arcturus has ever done (and I still love Arcturus). Their recent album 'The Serpent's Manifolds' is also very good indeed but not quite as out there as 'The Four Scissors'. Man, that album is genius to the power of Pi. If you like the style of Arcturus you'll probably love it.
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24.11.2008 - 03:05
rageing atheist
Account deleted
Written by Visioneerie on 24.11.2008 at 00:40

By that i mean avantgarde with prog elements.
Any other bands in this style I should know of ?


You could try the first In The Woods... album and their demo (which is easily available as a cd reissue)
They cited Bathory and Pink Floyd as their main influences, and their songs were mostly mid tempo, with a somewhat melancholic atmosphere.

Also try Fleurety up to, and including Min Tid Skal Komme (the Black Snow demo and Darker Shade of Evil 7' material are brilliant, I suggest you to download these, both are also available on the relatively recent Min Tid Skal Komme LP version, and A Darker Shade of Evil is also included on the cd reissue of Min Tid...). Their first album, Min Tid Skal Komme is also great, but some elements, such as the female vocals, sound somewhat irksome, also the sound is a little too polished (at least on the remastered cd reissue, haven't heard the original version). Their music also occasionally had a very Joy Division-like feeling.

Later both bands moved further away from the black metal elements they had, I also appreciate their later stuff, though it's probably not what you're looking for .

Ved Buens Ende is also definitely worth a listen, they had one full-length album, Written in Waters, and also the cd re-release of their Those Who Caress The Pale demo shouldn't be too hard to find, if you like to have your music on a legitimate format.

These three are among my favorite bands, and the way they used to blend different elements doesn't come off as overtly pretentious/bad-taste artsy, they might be a little hard to get into at first though (VBE definitely was for me), but I feel they are definitely worth a chance.
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24.11.2008 - 05:09
Visioneerie
Urban Monster
Written by Guest on 24.11.2008 at 03:05

Written by Visioneerie on 24.11.2008 at 00:40

By that i mean avantgarde with prog elements.
Any other bands in this style I should know of ?


These three are among my favorite bands, and the way they used to blend different elements doesn't come off as overtly pretentious/bad-taste artsy, they might be a little hard to get into at first though (VBE definitely was for me), but I feel they are definitely worth a chance.

thanks for the recs, shall surely check out these 3 bands. I'll take the time to listen to the Arcturus albums at first to get a solid opinion then i'll go on to your suggestions. Also i don't mind if bands leave behind some of their black metal influences as long as it stays interesting.
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Any man can stand adversity, but to test his character give him power - A. Lincoln
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24.11.2008 - 05:11
Visioneerie
Urban Monster
Written by Guest on 24.11.2008 at 00:49

Written by Visioneerie on 24.11.2008 at 00:40

Well this comes as quite unexpected to myself but after regiving a listen to Enslaved's Isa and then hearing Vertebrae, i've been looking for bands for a similar black metal approach. By that i mean avantgarde with prog elements. I found Arcturus and they seem to be quite good so far, listening to their Sideshow Symphonies though i'm a having some trouble with their clean vox.
Any other bands in this style I should know of ?

Transcending Bizarre? (question mark intentional). Check out their 'The Four Scissors' album. I swear to god it's 10 times better than anything Arcturus has ever done (and I still love Arcturus). Their recent album 'The Serpent's Manifolds' is also very good indeed but not quite as out there as 'The Four Scissors'. Man, that album is genius to the power of Pi. If you like the style of Arcturus you'll probably love it.

Checked them up actually not too long ago and i'll admit it was good music. I'll have to listen to some more, thanks man.
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Any man can stand adversity, but to test his character give him power - A. Lincoln
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25.11.2008 - 00:22
rageing atheist
Account deleted
Written by Visioneerie on 24.11.2008 at 05:09

thanks for the recs, shall surely check out these 3 bands. I'll take the time to listen to the Arcturus albums at first to get a solid opinion then i'll go on to your suggestions. Also i don't mind if bands leave behind some of their black metal influences as long as it stays interesting.


Forgot to mention that the demos and the Fleurety 7' are not particularly progressive (still recommended though) so if you're looking for progressive you'd probably do better with the debut albums of these bands.
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04.01.2009 - 17:27
Elio
Red Nightmare
I lost my day looking for these guys in the "alternative metal" session
Does anybody agree with me that "Ad Astra" is the best Avant-Garde song EVER??
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IntoPlighT said: "Slipknot is 15 years old how the fuck is that Nu metal?"

BEST. QUOTE. EVER.
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10.01.2009 - 09:37
Southern Wind
Account deleted
Sideshow Symphonies is indeed brilliant. I don't remember other album growing that much in me with the years. It is probably the best of 2005, along with Sunn O)))'s Black One.... I almost don't listen to avant-garde metal at all, but this album transcends.

Regarding the discussion about Transcending Bizarre, I don't see anything remotely interesting in their music, at least in The Serpent's Manifold, that is theirm album I had heard.
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12.01.2009 - 10:58
Ieag
Account deleted
Love Arcturus! One of the best bands from Norway in metal. Too bad Garm jumped off, though. It was never the same without him.
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30.01.2009 - 15:48
TheAmazingP

Written by Elio on 04.01.2009 at 17:27

I lost my day looking for these guys in the "alternative metal" session
Does anybody agree with me that "Ad Astra" is the best Avant-Garde song EVER??


Of course my friend! And maybe the best song ever!
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22.02.2009 - 18:52
Zelse

I just checked these guys out last night... I've never really listened to any avant-garde metal before, but I listened to The Sham Mirrors and fell in love with it instantly. Is the rest of their stuff like this? Hell, are other avant-garde bands like this? I can't get enough of this.
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22.02.2009 - 19:19
Galar
Wicked Mung
Hellhammer made this band. Sucks that they are no longer around, because I would have loved to have seen them live.
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YOUR ARGUMENT IS INVALID, SUCK A DICK
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27.02.2009 - 16:52
Ascendant187

Written by Zelse on 22.02.2009 at 18:52

I just checked these guys out last night... I've never really listened to any avant-garde metal before, but I listened to The Sham Mirrors and fell in love with it instantly. Is the rest of their stuff like this? Hell, are other avant-garde bands like this? I can't get enough of this.

The Sham Mirrors is considered by most to be their best album. Depending on what aspects of that album you liked, any of their previous albums will appeal to you.

Aspera Hiems Symfonia - The vocals are still quite black metal on this album, as are other elements, but it's definitely a great album and the first steps taken toward creating Arcturus' sound. It's definitely worth picking up if you can handle Garm screaming BM-style while mixing in a few clean vocal passages.

La Masquerade Infernale - Fantastic album. Garm is in full swing and really experimenting with his vocals here, which make it probably the second best album he appears on (behind The Sham Mirrors). ICS also appears on a few songs as a guest (before taking over full-time vocal duties on Sideshow Symphonies).

Sideshow Symphonies - This was actually the first Arcturus album I heard and absolutely fell in love with the band. Some will say it's a step down from The Sham Mirrors and there's certainly a lot of truth in that. Keep in mind that it's following Sham Mirrors, though. A lot of great stuff on this album and definitely worth checking out.

Er... so yeah, maybe that helps you?
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27.02.2009 - 17:09
ForeverDarkWoods

Written by Zelse on 22.02.2009 at 18:52

I just checked these guys out last night... I've never really listened to any avant-garde metal before, but I listened to The Sham Mirrors and fell in love with it instantly. Is the rest of their stuff like this? Hell, are other avant-garde bands like this? I can't get enough of this.

There aren't a lot of bands like Arcturus around, but later Sigh (black metal band from Japan) comes close sometimes. It's a lot blacker though, even if it's very out there.
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Free nations are peaceful nations. Free nations don't attack each other. Free nations don't develop weapons of mass destruction!
- George W. Bush, ex-president of the United States of America
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27.02.2009 - 21:54
Nei

I only own Sideshow Symphonies, but will probably get some more albums in the future. I love the fact that they made a song about Hufsa, because she always scared me when I was younger (and I still find her to be utterly creepy).

Overall a great album.
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28.02.2009 - 04:40
Dominus
The Shooter
Recently there am shortage this band. Still I cannot say to much envelope she until listening to with but attention its discs.
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14.09.2011 - 19:51
Sojgenske

Here is some footage from the gig they made at the Southern Discomfort Festival (07/09/2011) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nBVhXAPELM

I'm really looking forward to hear some new stuff in 2012 or 2013 (hopefully).
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09.11.2011 - 18:17
Narodi

Arcturus confirm a show in Helsinki, Finland!
http://www.imperiumi.net/index.php?act=news&id=15953

It also says that shows in Poland, Greece, France and Norway are booked for 2012.

Sorry, couldn't find any information in English...
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11.11.2011 - 03:30
EmperorGonzo
Account deleted
Written by Sojgenske on 14.09.2011 at 19:51

Here is some footage from the gig they made at the Southern Discomfort Festival (07/09/2011) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nBVhXAPELM

I'm really looking forward to hear some new stuff in 2012 or 2013 (hopefully).

Bad quality video but none the less it pumps me up for the new material. Its long awaited.
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12.11.2011 - 02:53
Savopipo

Good stuff!
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Check Tystnad out at http://tystnad.bandcamp.com
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30.01.2012 - 05:06
chronic-headache

Been looking to get into this band. Where would you say, outside of just buying all their albums, would be a good starting point?
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31.01.2012 - 00:42
K✞ulu
Seeker of Truth
Written by chronic-headache on 30.01.2012 at 05:06

Been looking to get into this band. Where would you say, outside of just buying all their albums, would be a good starting point?

La Masquerade Infernale and The Sham Mirrors are their two strongest and really good efforts. The one preceding and the one following them are not on par, so check those two out first.
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Savor what you feel and what you see
Things that may not seem important now
But may be tomorrow

R.I.P. Chuck Schuldiner

Satan was a Backstreet Boy
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31.01.2012 - 15:48
InnerSelf
proofread free
I might be the only one but I like Sideshow Symphonies more than La Masquerade Infernale and The Sham Mirrors
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He who is not bold enough
to be stared at from across the abyss
is not bold enough
to stare into it himself.
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02.02.2012 - 13:34
mitchgraham666

I have been an ARCTURUS fan for years and loved all of there work from Aspera Hiems Symfonia right threw to Sideshow Symphonies and i think each relase get better and better and can't wait to see work they have plan with the next ablum in 2012 -2013!!!!!
I saw them in my home country off australia in brisbane and was lucky enough to drink with them after the show and i will be seeing them again at BRUTAL ASSULT 2012 deffenetly the best avante-grade band in human history
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21.03.2013 - 15:34
Sean 79

Written by mitchgraham666 on 02.02.2012 at 13:34

i will be seeing them again at BRUTAL ASSULT 2012 deffenetly the best avante-grade band in human history


Was at that show too. great night/weekend.
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27.03.2013 - 00:58
psykometal
A staff guy...
Written by Guest on 14.03.2013 at 17:59

New Hellhammer (the drummer) website and an ((((Arcturus)))) drum update: http://hellhammerdrummer.com/news/drumtracks-done-for-the-new-arcturus-album/

Bitchin' find there Array!!!
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~Zep, Database and Forum Moderation~

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14.05.2013 - 05:13
Vind
Ascendant
I finally found out where I have seen Knut Magnes spacecrown before!


Here is a link to the original picture: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdfh6aF6eY1rkxf8uo1_500.png
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25.03.2014 - 11:06
BloodMusic

PRE-ORDER: March 26th at 5PM Finnish time (10AM NYC).

Blood Music will soon be releasing ultra-limited deluxe edition vinyl and CD of the first official live offering from one of the greatest and most influential bands of the early Norwegian scene - Arcturus. The band will see their "Shipwrecked in Oslo" performance at the Sonic Solstice Festival 2005 turned into a high-quality audio release.

The vinyl package includes professional editing and vinyl remastering from the original soundboard audio, heavyweight vinyl, and ultra-limited numbers in a special gatefold layout.

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnXXlGJc3Yg

Arcturus "Shipwrecked in Oslo" 2xLP





* Ultra-limited edition of 250 Half-and-Half Aquamarine/Black vinyl.
* Ultra-limited edition of 150 Black vinyl.
* Pressed onto 180-gram+ vinyl.
* Professionally edited and remastered for vinyl from the original soundboard audio.
* 350gsm heavyweight board gatefold jacket, featuring photos from the performance.
* Inner jacket printing.
* Black inner sleeves.

Arcturus "Shipwrecked in Oslo" CD:



* Professionally edited from the original soundboard audio and mastered specifically for CD.
* Includes 8-page booklet and printed inlay in clear jewel case.
* Limited to 1000 copies.
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*Available: maudlin of the Well/Lykathea Aflame/Ihsahn*

Coming soon: Sigh, Manii, Odium, Kauan, Aquilus, Negura Bunget, Thy Catafalque, Ne Obliviscaris, Strapping Young Lad

Blood Music
http://www.blood-music.com
http://www.facebook.com/BlooodMusic
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