ARÐ - Untouched By Fire (2024) Hi-Res

ARÐ, the brainchild of Mark Deeks, has released their second album “Untouched By Fire”. This album continues the journey that began with their debut album “Take Up My Bones” in 2022. The music of ARÐ, meaning ‘Native Land’, is deeply inspired by the wild and beautiful landscape of Northumbria.

“Untouched By Fire” is a monastic doom metal album that tells the story of the warrior King Oswald who lived from 604-642 A.D. Oswald is known for uniting the kingdoms of Bernicia and Deira, thereby forging Northumbria with fire and sword. The album explores Oswald’s rise to power from his youth in Dal Riada due to a family feud, through his victorious battles to conquer the lands that his father had claimed, until his founding of Northumbria.

The album opens with “Cursed To Nothing But Patience”, a track that immediately hits with a deeply powerful melody and layers of choral vocals that create a spiritual and moving atmosphere. The music is heavy, with lumbering riffs that hold the power to shake the ground. Other tracks like “Name Bestowed”, “Hefenfelth”, and “Casket Of Dust” continue to showcase ARÐ’s unique blend of doom metal and choral vocals, creating a soundscape that is both sorrowful and elegant.

Despite being a doom metal album, “Untouched By Fire” is not one-dimensional. It is a slow burn, with its liturgical atmosphere, evocative melodies, and sombre beauty sure to touch listeners in some way. The album was released by Prophecy Productions on April 26, 2024