ARCTURUS · The Sham Mirrors | BLACK LP

Black vinyl in gatefold cover with lined inner sleeve and protective sleeve.

Background information about 'The Sham Mirrors'

Following the monumental "La Masquerade Infernale" was never going to be easy, but Arcturus tackled this challenge with characteristic Norwegian ingenuity on 2002's "The Sham Mirrors". Rather than attempting to outdo their previous avant-garde masterpiece, the band crafted something more direct yet equally captivating. This third full-length showcases a more streamlined approach without sacrificing the experimental DNA that makes Arcturus so compelling.

Garm's ethereal vocals float through these compositions with newfound versatility, while mastermind Steinar "Sverd" Johnsen weaves classical prog-rock passages through his keyboard wizardry. The guitars embrace a more conventional metal approach, creating a perfect balance between accessibility and complexity. Each track on "The Sham Mirrors" stands as its own entity, with experimental elements serving the songs rather than overwhelming them. It's Arcturus at their most focused, delivering progressive metal that's both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

For fans of:
Emperor, Ulver, Ved Buens Ende, Borknagar, Ihsahn

Track listing

A1. Kinetic
A2. Nightmare Heaven
A3. Ad Absurdum
A4. Collapse Generation
B1. Star-Crossed
B2. Radical Cut
B3. For to End Yet Again

Manufacturer: ProMedia GmbH, Im Gartenfeld 1, 54516 Flußbach, Germany, Contact: prophecy.de