By Bona Pjarren
ARÐ constitutes a solo project by Mark Deeks, who earned his PhD in Philosophy on the topic of ‘NationaI Identity in Northern and Eastern European Heavy Metal’. Perhaps best known as one third of ÜK black metal stalwarts Winterfylleth, Mark keeps himself busy as a musical director, arranger, piano coach and conductor as well as a bestselling author. On ‘Take Up My Bones’, Mark is supported by Wolcenmen mastermind Dan Capp on guitars and backing vocals. He is also joined by Atavist drummer Callum Cox, and a spellbinding performance from cellist Jo Quail (My Dying Bride et al.) The line-up could almost read like a super group.
Arð hail from Northumbria. The band’s name is taken from an Old English word meaning ‘native land’ in the dialect of the Anglian Kingdom of Northumbria. The concept behind the debut album ‘Take Up My Bones’ from this insular doom metal solo project revolves around the legendary relics of the famous Northumbrian saint Cuthbert (634-687) and their long journey. Arð, I believe, is pronounced Orth.
The initial track entitled ‘Burden Foretold’ is an epic introduction to this concept album that gives me the feeling of being transported back to the Seventh Century. The vocal harmonies are magnificent, and the track as a whole is brooding, dark and compelling. If the rest of the album continues in this vein, I can see it becoming a classic “must own album”. Given Deeks’ pedigree, it’s hardly surprising…
Gregorian style chant heralds the beginning of the next track, ‘Take Up My Bones’, which is made even more mournful by some beautifully played acoustic piano accompanied by strings. Cleverly arranged this track is full of angst and foreboding.
‘Raise Then The Incorrupt Body’ again begins with some gorgeously dark vocal harmonies that evoke the ecclesiastical nature of this album’s root material. Fantastic guitar melodies help to float the body of this song effortlessly along. It is majestic in its pageantry. At nine minutes long, I love the arrangement that has gone into this one, as it takes me on a journey through the misty landscapes of ancient Northumbria.
‘Boughs of Trees’ starts simply with some lovely laid back ethereal piano gently drifting melodic notes above an intricate right-hand pattern. The introduction of cello and the subsequent string section is inspired and leads nicely to the full doom band sound. Mark really knows how to build a track for full effect.
‘Banner of the Saint’ has, in parts, a more straight forward almost folk approach to its structure. It brings a pleasant change to the previous tracks while remaining consistent with the rest of the writing. It builds from its pleasantly meandering piano progression into full on doom metal and is a strong addition to this work.
‘Only Three Shall Know’ is the last track on the album and it feels like I’ve got to this point far too quickly, I could have happily listened to more. Again, the track is introduced with stunning vocal harmonies before leading into some solid doom metal. With quieter more thoughtful spoken passages it evokes a wonderful feeling of melancholia. I am always impressed by well written long songs; at nine minutes it is an evolving piece of music that really engages me as a listener.
In conclusion, ‘Take Up My Bones’ is an inspired piece of doom metal writing that is ambitious in its epic themes. I really felt transported back to the times of Saint Cuthbert. The interplay between the cello and piano is inspirational and brings a fantastic ambience to this wonderful album.
I highly recommend this album.
- ‘Take Up My Bones’ is released on 18 February. You can get your copy HERE.
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