Review: "Uihtis" by Arkhaaik

What a mad accomplishment. Switzerland's Arkhaaik drops an epic of four songs, each clocking in at more than 10 minutes. Ostensibly about bronze-age hunters, "Uihtis" would feel at home driving a death-march of orcs to their grim finale, as drums beat a plodding pace complemented by hunting horns and otherworldly roars. 

There's a drive and grim determination to these songs reminiscent of Tolkien-worshipers Summoning at their best, but with a rumbling primal pulse and a carefully considered deployment of double-bass drum that never stays long enough to wear out its welcome.

"Uihtis" is a massive leap forward from Arkhaaik's last full-length in 2019 and one that will deserve many places in year-end lists later this year.

Released July 24, 2005 by Eisenwald
(bandcamp)