Sweden's ARCKANUM is the most Primitive Dark Metal band of them all. The band itself signifies Mysticism, and stands for the mysterious nature. ARCKANUM describes their sound as 'musically primitive, raw, medieval, grieved, and trollish. The band consists of only one member - Shamaatae - who started the band in 1992. Back then, he had acquired the services of Loke Svarteld on guitar, and Sataros on vocals. By 1993, the band had recorded a demo which contained 6 tracks of Old Black Metal. It was in 1994 that Shamaatae decided to continue with the band-this time on his own. Shortly after this, he recorded a brand new ARCKANUM demo entitled 'Trulen', which simply means 'The Trolls'. This 15 song demo received some praise from the dark forests of Sweden. In 1995, NECROPOLIS RECORDS picked up the band for a Multi-album deal.

ARCKANUM then entered Abyss Studio (where previously fellow Swedes DARK FUNERAL, and now ABRUPTUM recorded their masterpieces) to record their debut album 'Fran Marder' (From the Forest). The lyrics were written by Shamaatae in Ancient Swedish, and the music is primitive, raw, Trollish Black Metal with a dark, melancholic Atmosphere. The album is unlike anything NECROPOLIS RECORDS has previously worked on. It is completely original, with a very unusual sound. Shamaatae's work and dedication to his art is unmatched. He is an amazing percussionist, poet, and musician. His drive for a very primitive band is together with his simple, dark, lifestyle, and worship for his 'god'...PAN. Simply put, ARCKANUM is not for everyone...it is only for those who live in the darkest forests, and wish to be amongst the Trolls!!!

Fran Marder
Available on Necropolis Records
NR008
"Svinna" - Windows .WAV format / 992K / 90sec
"Svinna" - Real Audio 2.0 format