Morning Star: A Shift in Këkht Aräkh’s Sound

As a long-time fan of Këkht Aräkh, my journey with the artist has been a whirlwind, especially with the release of their third album, Morning Star. Since the Night & Love tape debuted on Livor Mortis in 2019, I have championed the project and its unique take on black metal. However, the transition away from traditional black metal toward a Soundcloud rap aesthetic has been jarring, prompting questions about the artist’s direction and intent.

Initial Reactions to Morning Star

Upon hearing the first single, “Wanderer,” in 2023, I found myself caught in a web of confusion and skepticism. The blend of black metal and Soundcloud rap left many, including myself, wondering if Këkht Aräkh was losing its essence. The seventeen-track tracklist raised eyebrows, as an apprehensive anticipation settled in for what was to come.

The Sound of Morning Star

Production Quality

While the album has faced its share of criticism, the production value stands out. The sound is dreamy and atmospheric, evoking the feeling of a foggy spring morning rather than the bright afternoons typically associated with blackgaze artists like Deafheaven. The bass guitar, particularly on the track “Castle,” is noteworthy, offering a clear and pronounced low end that is often overlooked in black metal.

Musical Influences

Këkht Aräkh’s reverence for black metal pioneers like Darkthrone is evident; however, the mid-paced nature of many tracks raises questions. It isn’t until the latter half of the album that listeners experience moments of speed and aggression, with tracks like “Three Winters Away,” “Vigil,” and “Land av Evig Natt II” showcasing Këkht Aräkh’s ability to deliver cold, venomous black metal at its finest.

Critique of the Album’s Structure

One of the major flaws of Morning Star is its lengthy seventeen-song tracklist, where many songs feel more like interludes than full tracks. With a runtime just over fifty minutes, the abundance of sparse instrumentation can disrupt the album’s momentum. Good songs like “Angest” suffer when they abruptly end on quiet, meandering soundscapes rather than concluding with the expected intensity.

External Influences and Collaborations

Marchenko’s incorporation of outside influences has led to mixed reactions. Comparisons to “black metal for TikTok kids” are not unfounded, given the artist’s nods to viral acts and collaborations with figures like Bladee. The track “Eternal Martyr” reflects this, but the promotional choices surrounding it raise concerns about authenticity and artistic integrity.

The Bladee Collaboration

While I personally appreciate Bladee’s work, the collaboration feels disjointed. The promotional photo, featuring Bladee in a Minnesota Twins hat, distracts from the music itself, leading to questions about the genuine nature of the partnership. Though the song maintains Këkht Aräkh’s signature sound, the inclusion of Bladee does not offer anything new or innovative.

Personal Reflection

As I dive deeper into Morning Star, I am left questioning my own tastes and the evolution of Këkht Aräkh. Have I changed as a listener, or has the music shifted too far from what initially captivated me? The album’s reliance on outside influences and experimental sounds makes it challenging to embrace fully.

Conclusion

Morning Star represents a significant pivot for Këkht Aräkh. While the production quality and certain tracks shine, the overwhelming number of songs and the infusion of outside influences detract from the overall experience. As a fan, it remains to be seen whether this new direction will resonate in the long term.

FAQs

What genre does Këkht Aräkh belong to?

Këkht Aräkh primarily identifies with black metal, though recent works have integrated elements from Soundcloud rap and other genres.

How many tracks are on Morning Star?

Morning Star features a total of seventeen tracks, with a runtime of just over fifty minutes.

Who is the featured artist on “Eternal Martyr”?

The track “Eternal Martyr” features a collaboration with artist Bladee.

When was Morning Star released?

Morning Star is set to be released on Friday via Sacred Bones.