ALBUM REVIEW: Coffin Storm – Arcana Rising

Norwegian Doom Metal extremists COFFIN STORM promise a cult banger in the form of their debut album. Out via Peaceville Records on March 29th.

Hitting hard from the onset with meaty riffing and primitive drums, Coffin Storm introduce their morbid cacophony violently. The estranged vocals and classically Fenriz-esque delivery atop the mountainous guitars feels sort of like later Darkthrone, but with some of the more enchanting elements from Candlemass heightened. There is also a thrashiness coming through, which feels natural from members of Aura Noir and Infernö being involved. Overall, the cult metallic furore that was promised seems to be here in abundance. The rhythmic viciousness from the duel instrumental attackers underlines the vocals more haunting approach which borrow as much from Isengard as Darkthrone, if not more so. As a lover of that project, hearing it in this deeply emotive, macabre setting of pure doom is certainly a treat.

Drudging through forests of occult mysteries, Coffin Storm have a sense of magic in their songwriting which is equally archaic as the loosely stunning production. It definitely is unhindered by modern over-compression and cutting. Leaving the record breathing room, its imperfections are part of its charm which is undeniably bewitching. The creepy feeling enshrouds the riffs while their direct delivery shows a band who clearly know their direction rather than aimlessly wandering around in a spooky but albeit random manner. No, this trio clearly wear their influences and plans on their sleeve, going for the jugular with their spellbinding and otherworldly song craft.

Each of these six pieces has something special of its own and fits beautifully into the framework of the record. Some are more visceral, some more atmospheric, but they all retain that undiscovered gem of a demo type feeling in album format. Some sensibilities from Manilla Road and Cirith Ungol tie to the likes of Kreator and Assassin in a very interesting manner like none I have heard. It’s sort of janky, but in a way that makes you fall in love with it. It’s odd, but feels sincere. All of this is very characteristic of such a project and I think “Arcana Rising” will be a divisive listen but one that the underground legions will appreciate. Additionally my reviews are often a first or early impression and thusly sometimes don’t allow on albums growing on me over time (which is a regular and normal occurrence of a dedicated music lover). This is one of those albums I can predict at a later date will click even more so and bring me even greater enjoyment. Alas right now I dig it all the same even if I’m not one hundred percent losing my mind. Maybe in a month, a year, a decade it will be a firm favourite from this Oppegård circle of tyrants.

A strange project, but a strong one. This record combines the strength of three inarguably important musicians from the redneck woodlands of Kolbotn to give us something ancient and yet unique. Coffin Storm plays doomed Heavy Metal with a mighty ferocity that deserves your attention, and while my adoration for their prior bands may somewhat overshadow this opus, it is nonetheless one I really enjoyed and will revisit.