Release date: 27th August 2021
As a big fan of Wormwood, I have been eagerly awaiting their third album Arkivet. Their first album Ghostlands – Wounds From a Bleeding Earth blew me away right from the get-go and their second album Nattarvet hit similar heights, so I was expecting great things from their third offering. Of course, they absolutely delivered.
Arkivet once again sees the band utilise a slightly different approach to their sound, but it’s still undeniably “Wormwood”. Over the course of its seven tracks, Arkivet weaves a story that captivates the listener from start to finish, drawing them in and maintaining interest with each twist and turn. The balance between melody and aggression is, once again, masterful.
An early highlight is second track Overgrowth. The introduction is very striking, with a melody seemingly destined to be stuck in your head, and then the following strong vocals join nicely with it. The introductory melody is revisited several times over the course of the track, and I really love the punch it has when paired with a mighty-sounding guitar solo.
Another great inclusion is closer The Gentle Touch Of Humanity. The longest track of the album, it’s a really powerful number and the somewhat melancholic vibe to the song along with the spoken interlude and soaring guitars really leave a lasting impression on you once everything comes to a close.
As a whole, Arkivet is another fine album from Sweden’s finest. Wormwood is a band I have always had high expectations for, and every time they continue to impress me. This is not a band you should pass by.
