Since their formation seven years ago, Sheffield’s Arkdown have released several singles, two EPs and introduced themselves to audiences through their own headline shows and support slots for established names such as Decapitated and Fit For An Autopsy. As they enter 2024, they prepare to release their new song, Supernova.
Addressing the different perceptions of religion across the globe, mortality and our individual outlooks on life, Supernova is hard hitting in both its composition and lyrical approach. Arkdown incorporate metalcore and death metal, alongside progressive and technical flourishes within their music. From the opening moments of Supernova, the twin guitar salvo of Mike Dyson and Mikee Walker strikes with vehemence, rapidity and power. Vocalist Joe Hallam - who is utterly compelling throughout - joins with savage deep rumbles as he sets the scene of the explosive birth of our planet. Five billion years ago / Nebulous dust converges / Mounting pressure builds / Ignition overwhelming. Evoking the fiery physical processes of the universe, this could also be seen as mirroring long-building pressure that we may feel in our personal lives.
Although Supernova’s formidable verses sit firmly within the realms of death metal, there is a distinct quality to the production, meaning the individual instruments each have a prevailing zeal and convincing exuberance. Coupled with the complex arrangement, there is a controlled belligerence throughout the track which adds to the power of the lyrics. During the chorus, Arkdown display their metalcore influences more vividly. Melodic arpeggios accompany Hallam’s barbed and acidic delivery which lyrically discusses communication or connection with higher powers that goes unheeded or ignored, symbolising feelings of alienation or a crisis of faith. The gods converse with me / Messages sent through space and time / Ignored and left to wander through / A lonely universe / Freezing planets, dying stars / A supernova in my mind.
Throughout Supernova, the drumming is relentless and precise but never becomes overwhelming, displaying thought to the song’s structure as heavy guitar riffs effectively interplay with the band’s rhythmic methodology. Hallam’s versatile vocal styles are impressive whether employing slower and guttural growls during the imposing breakdown (Stars are bleeding into black holes in my eyes), the glass shattering shrieked cries of the bridge (Drink in the final rays of life / As the sun collapses on itself) or the daunting deep belches of the opening verse (Atomic furnace in the sky / Forging existence/ Foretelling creation).
Effectively amalgamating the different sub-genres in which Arkdown operate – which includes a certain amount of groove metal – they have produced a track which will appeal to a wide variety of metal fans without isolating those who, sometimes short-sightedly, limit themselves to a narrower field of listening. Addressing existential questions and religious scepticism through the lens of cosmic imagery, the band have also shown they have the lyrical traits to maintain the interest of those who like to delve deeper into the meaning of songs. Fans of Fit For An Autopsy, Shadow of Intent and fans of Architects willing to embrace the death metal elements of the music will find joining Arkdown on their odyssey through the heavens to be a rewarding experience.
Written: 3rd January 2024
Supernova is released on 19th January 2024
Visit Arkdown's bandcamp page here: https://arkdown.bandcamp.com/
Visit Arkdown's Spotify page here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2xYlFa3mGhquUMIvGRa2jy?si=DxyqHBBnT6u47zAcy9aspQ
21st January Update: Watch the lyric video for Supernova below.
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