The desert is scorching hot during the day, dropping below zero at night. It is one of the world's most inhospitable places, where only those who respect and understand it survive. It's a classic dichotomy of light and dark, and Arkan uses this exotic counterbalance brilliantly.
On opening track “Groans Of The Abyss”, an Arab voice quickly gives way to full-power death metal. With a riff big enough to crack open a pyramid, the tension and power are threateningly dramatic. The counterbalance, when it arrives, is all the more effective particularly when the instantly recognizable traditional sounds come in.
It's how the two elements meet that drives Hilal. At times it comes at you like a sandstorm straight into your eyes, or in this case, ears. But there are also surprising moments of subtlety as both ends of the spectrum fuse together like those Eastern spices. This album connects East to West, North to South, past to present, and the now to an altogether different now.
Arkan's intent was first revealed on 2005's self-released track “Burning Flesh”, a virulent rejection of suicide bombings. Having established their own stance they could move on to Hilal without inviting any ill-judged conclusions. And move on they do. Hilal is, without doubt, a mighty leap into the territory they marked out to explore.
The production on Hilal captures the atmosphere and tension between acoustic and metal expertly. The power is contained like a genie in a bottle before being unleashed in just the right degree.
This album should be explored by anyone out there into death metal. It will be interesting to see where else Arkan can take this journey next time out.
Visit Arkan's official website or their Myspace profile for more information.
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