Cargo Records

Arkades

Arkades catches a session Finnish group, Circle, recorded exclusively for WFMU during their US tour, on 19/9/05.

Comprising two lengthy pieces taking up a side each, 'The Greatest Kingdom' and 'The Ghost of the Highway', it focuses on their often spacey improv. underpinning and applies new meaning to a vision which strides powerfully over the line dividing apocalyptic dread from a semblance of hope.

Agonised wailing, screams and torrents of molten sound dance ghostly shapes over psychedelic keyboard patterns, distant clattering, moonlit guitars and a rhythm section so carefully tempered that it's impossible not to feel the chemistry at work.

Coupled to a fantastic sleeve which illustrates a homage to spaghetti western films and includes fitting notes by WFMU's Program Director, Brian Turner, Arkades proves what these New Wave of Finnish Heavy Metallers are capable of when they leave most of the rock at the door. File somewhere near Acid Mothers Temple after having been given the kinda makeover only the Scandinavians have the formula for. Indeed, this is sweet shit...