From MFN/D.E.I. info-sheet: *(Arcturus' history/background)
''In late 1989 MORTEM (Norway's leading cult Death Metal band) gave birth to ARCTURUS. It was not long before this manifestation had matured, and in 1991, their first and only 7-inch ''My Angel'' was released. It was the success of this single that led to the two founding members HELLHAMMER (also of MAYHEM & COVENANT) and SVERD (the main composer) to continue the project, and started compositions for the first full-length album. During that process SAMOTH (of Emperor) joined the band on lead guitar in 1993, and one year later GARM (of Ulver) completed the line-up, adding his unique vocals which complimented the grand ARCTURUS sound and vision perfectly. This work was entitled 'Constellation', and was finally released on SAMOTH's own label, Nocturnal Art Productions. This mini CD immediately sold out (limited to 500), but has been re-released as a limited edition LP format this year (500 copies).''

''SAMOTH left the band in mid 1994 due to personal reasons, and prior commitments, but soon was replaced by AUGUST (of the Norwegian progressive metal band TRITONUS) who's guitar virtuoso and skill created a more theatrical element in the ARCTURUS sound. The band was finally completed by the arrival of SKOLL (of Ulver, Ved Buens Ende, & Fimbulwinter) who joined the ranks as the 5-string bass guitar expert. A deal was inked with Ancient Lore Creations / Misanthropy, in which resulted the ''Aspera Hiems Symfonia'' (which translates to ''Cold Winter Symphonies'') album, an Arctic tour de force through frosty metal landscapes that chills the devoted listeners to their bones. With this album they established themselves as one of the top symphonic-metal bands untouchable by their peers, although being highly qualified musicians, they reached this aim effortlessly.''

''In 1996, AUGUST stepped back to a role of session guitarist, KNUT stepped forward to replace him in the permanent position. The result was an even more developed symphonic compositional element, together with the addition of a string section and second violinist (SIMEN) in the recording of the second full length album ' La Masquerade Infernale' for Misanthropy/Music For Nations during early to mid 1997. This ensemble of exceptional musicians have created one of the most developed albums in years, a sweeping metal opus, at times reaching bombasticism and at others presenting sinister atmospheric sections so theatrical, one can imagine this performed as a complete avantgarde opera production. Their willingness with experimentation shine through in the unusual production elements, utilizing samples and various other electronic preparations traditionally outside of the metal realm, yet ARCTURUS have always stepped outside of the traditional roles of metal bands, instead utilizing their experience to mould a completely fresh and independent concept. There is no comparison.''

Pay no attention to the ''glitterati'' & ''cognoscenti'' of the established (mainstream) rock press who have got this album all fucking wrong! This is a great & entertaining Progressive Black Metal album that is steeped in the operetta/cabaret style of Bertol Brecht & Kurt Weill! Heady & intoxicating, this is an insane journey into the Abyss of madness & debauchery; dedicated to ''the Perilous Quest of the Faustian Spirit''! Garm & company's celestial aspirations are made even more blasphemic with the addition of ''the philharmonics: violin, viola, cello, & double bass''!

Imported from England (on Music For Nations).

CD ....... $17.00

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