Arð - Untouched by Fire (2024)

After blowing us away with their debut release in 2022, Mark Deeks and Arð return with another monumental release titled “Untouched by Fire”. Perfectly mixing eerie choir arrangements with traditional Doom Metal, or monastic doom as the band has been pegged, this release is more epic, more solemn, and more dreamy than the last one. So be prepared for a truly immersive and mournful listening experience.

Opening with the crushing riffs of “Cursed To Nothing But Patience”, this outfit sets a very ethereal and regal atmosphere that only a handful of bands can create, like Hamferð and Skepticism. The lush instrumentation adds an extra layer to the music, with tons of intricate elements perfectly introduced in precise moments to capture the cinematic experience of Arð’s music, as show in the opener and other excellent tracks like “Name Bestowed”, “Hefenfelth” and our favorite, the even more melancholic “He Saw Nine Winters” and its weeping lead guitars.

Featuring Northumbrian pipes in “Beset by Weapons”, the band showcases the ability to incorporate traditional instruments into their very complex and layered sound. We particularly love that there are so many layers to Arð’s music, from the vocal arrangements, to the subtle classical instrumentation, piano, and atmospherics. However, there are always magical moments of doomy sorrow and devastation, as the closer “Casket of Dust” leaves on a very melancholic and depressive note (in a good way!).

Overall, “Untouched by Fire” sets the bar even higher for Mark Deeks and Arð, the band’s live performances are equally captivating, so we can’t wait to hear some of these tracks live in the future. With most bands trying to fit in different molds within their genres, it is quite refreshing to hear that there are still great ideas to be developed. Featuring an epic sound filled with heaviness and gloominess, this release is a must have for any fan of the genre.

Label: Prophecy Productions

Release: April 26th, 2024

Genre: Doom Metal

Country: UK