The US black metal scene is one of the most exciting in the world right now and Brooklyn, New York appears to be ground zero for some of its best talents. Woe, Krallice, Mutilation Rites, Anicon and now Arsantiqva have released albums in the last two years that demonstrate just how strong the scene there is. Scavengers is the debut album from Arsantiqva and it is chock full of memorable riffs that will stick with you across multiple listens, mid-tempo black metal and clearly decipherable vocals.
Scavengers is extremely polished, but not so much that it loses its sense of authenticity. Keyboard flourishes and the incorporation of a four-piece choir earn the album major points, and Arsantiqva definitely don’t shy away from black ‘n’ roll either. In fact, I was reminded rather often of Satyricon.
Mors Lucerna will give Scavengers its physical release on November 23. You can purchase it here.
