### Sarke: Aruagint

#### 14/03/14 || Cobal

When it comes to the subject of Norwegian black metal, there’s basically two ways to go: either can you go for the mid-paced cold vein (mid Darkthrone, early Burzum, Koldbrann, etc.) or a faster more thrash-oriented one (mid Immortal, Aura Noir, some Mayhem, 1349 and more). Of course there’s more to it—a bit—just remember I said basically. I’d say “Aruagint” rather falls into the first category, and yet it does bring some other features to the table.

Indeed, there’s quite some rock music to be found here. “Strange Pungent Odyssey”, for example, is very, very close to being a blackened boogie if you like, and the jumping vibe takes nothing from the trueness of the track. Want a punk attitude? Take a look to “Ugly” and enjoy. Feel like something more occult? There’s “Walls of Ru” or better “Skeleton Sand” for you. I mean you can even get your stoner dose of the day with “Icon Usurper”. In so many words, this is some black rock stuff with a huge Darkthrone vibe to it. But then again, what did you expect if it’s Nocturno himself shouting at the mic all over the record?

Now, do I like it? Bet your ass I do! Do I consider it particularly relevant in any way? Not really. Plainly, a bit of a super group as it may be, Sarke—the guy—and company do deliver some decent shit, but nothing that any real fan of black metal hasn’t heard before. I probably should have mentioned some Satyricon’s as a clear reference a well, except those guys did know how to write catchy songs, you see. In fact, no song stands out from the rest with enough strength in “Aruagint”. Sad but true.

No harm checking this one out… On Spotify or something.

- Information
- Released: 2013
- Label: Indie Recordings
- Website: Sarke Facebook
- Band
- Nocturno Culto: vocals, bass
- Steinar Gundersen: guitars
- Asgeir Mickelson: drums
- Anders Hunstad: keyboards

- Tracklist
- 01. Jaunt of the Obsessed
- 02. Jodau Aura
- 03. Ugly
- 04. Strange Pungent Odyssey
- 05. Walls of Ru
- 06. Salvation
- 07. Skeleton Sand
- 08. Icon Usurper
- 09. Rabid Hunger