Lithuanian black metal band Argharus got their debut album released last summer. The label sent me a promo last year, but to begin reviewing an album practically without any information can sometimes be a pain in the ass...

First, I have no idea about lyrical theme(s). And everything is sung in the band's native language. Sadly, this side of the album must be skipped. The cover art, picturing a spiteful looking young girl holding a withered bouquet, makes me think about human nature, which always features evil side too. It surely differs a lot from the usual (black) metal imagery. So, there is no other way than to dive into the world of Argharus' music...

'Pleištas' does not conjure any images of fjords, snowy mountains, forests or anything about nature. It feels more like militant, projecting human nature. It also sounds like it comes from Lithuania, even though some of the riffs are so old school, pure evil heavy metal stuff. The militant atmosphere of the music recalls Mayhem's 'Grand Declaration of War' (2000), but this has no industrial effects (except for fully ambient eerie '-') and the songwriting shines. I've hardly ever heard black metal that is as catchy as Argharus' present style. This does not mean the songs are easy, because they aren't. The compositions are lengthy and they usually evolve slowly, mutating one part to another. But it never gets repetitive, and therefore it remains interesting.

The vocals are simply soulful. Severe, raw, baleful black metal vocalization, but there's also insane stuff, that sounds like exorcism and vomiting, and then moaning. I really would like to know what the lyrics are about. The whole music is soulful. It is great to listen to instrumentalists' work and all those millions of little nuances that the album is filled with. The music really manages to attract its listener. Live style production crowns the album.

'Pleištas' is a catchy work of monumental songs, which definitely aren't easy in any rock/hit music way. I dare to say, that Argharus have found their own niche, and now it's time for listeners to find the band. Now I need the original album, because I need to find out more about the lyrical backgrounds... So I might rewrite parts of this review later. In the meantime, try this!

Rating: 8- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
03/11/2010 19:30