Welcome to Black Metal Archives. Today my fellow black metalheads! Sean here, and today we’re delving into the 2023 split release from Spain’s Nakkiga and Berlin’s Arde—a compelling collaboration that showcases the diverse spectrums of black metal.
Released on March 10, 2023, this split features three tracks from Nakkiga and a singular, expansive piece from Arde. The album is available through the Breath:Sun:Bone:Blood bandcamp page.
Nakkiga’s Contribution
Nakkiga offers three tracks: “Denbora“, “Aroak“, and “Errautsak“. These compositions are conceptual, exploring themes from the birth of time to its eventual demise. Musically, Nakkiga delivers a relentless black metal assault characterized by overwhelming blast beats and frenzied guitar work. The intensity of their sound encapsulates a sense of impending chaos, aligning with the thematic exploration of time’s passage.
Arde’s Contribution
Arde presents a single, 14-minute track titled “Basalarr.” Named after a mystical plant significant in Basque culture, the song unfolds gradually, immersing the listener in atmospheric black metal infused with blackened crust elements. Reverb-drenched blast beats and textured guitar layers create a harrowing yet trance-inducing experience. The vocals delve into the interplay of light and darkness, juxtaposing pain against the hope for a better world.
Both bands employ traditional black metal instrumentation—guitars, bass, drums, and vocals—but their approaches diverge. Nakkiga’s sound is aggressive and unyielding, with rapid tempos and dense arrangements that evoke a sense of urgency and chaos. In contrast, Arde’s track is expansive and atmospheric, utilizing reverb and layered guitar work to create a meditative soundscape that gradually builds in intensity.
This split album exemplifies the versatility within the black metal genre. Nakkiga’s ferocious energy complements Arde’s atmospheric depth, offering listeners a comprehensive journey through both the aggressive and introspective facets of black metal. It’s a testament to the genre’s capacity for both brutality and beauty.
For those interested in exploring this release further, the full album is available for streaming and purchase on their Bandcamp page! Be sure to let us know in the comments what you think after listening, and don’t forget to like this for more deep dives into the darkest corners of black metal.
Until next time—keep the black flame burning bright!
