What makes Noch Velesova by Arkona notable?

Noch Velesova received critical acclaim, establishing Arkona as a leading band in both the black and folk metal genres. The album’s strong lyrical focus on Slavic mythology resonated widely, influencing subsequent bands in the pagan metal scene and contributing to a resurgence of interest in folkloric themes within metal music. Released on February 11, 2009, Noch Velesova was Arkona’s fourth studio album, following their influential record Vo Slavu Velikim. By this point in their career, the band had already established themselves as a prominent force in the pagan metal scene, known for integrating traditional Slavic themes into their music.

Who is Noch Velesova for?

Noch Velesova works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, epic storytelling through music and immersive experience of mythology.

How many songs are on Noch Velesova?

Noch Velesova has 30 tracks, running approximately 144 minutes.

Noch Velesova

Arkona · 2009

144 min · 30 tracks · black metal

Epic folk-infused black metal melds haunting melodies with thunderous rhythms, evoking ancient Slavic mythology and cultural pride.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Гой, Купала!!! — This track embodies the album's core themes with its lively tempo and rich instrumentation, celebrating the Slavic festival of Kupala Night while blending aggressive vocals with folk melodies.
→
Славься, Русь! — An anthem of national pride, this song features powerful choruses and a striking melody that encapsulates the spirit of unity among Slavic people, making it a standout track.
→
Восстание Рода — With its dramatic shifts between soft passages and intense metal segments, this track explores themes of ancestry and heritage, showcasing Arkona's dynamic musical range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends black metal with folk influences effectively, showcasing strong composition and craft while exploring thematic depth.

What we noticed

The album opens with an atmospheric intro that sets a haunting tone, followed by tracks that alternate between aggressive black metal riffs and melodic folk elements.
Many songs feature layered vocals, combining harsh screams with clean singing to create a dynamic contrast that enhances the lyrical themes of Slavic mythology.
The use of traditional instruments alongside electric guitars adds depth, particularly in tracks like 'Гой, Купала!!!' and 'Купала и Кострома', which incorporate folk melodies.
Several tracks exceed six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages that build tension and atmosphere before resolving into climactic endings.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with emotional peaks
epic storytelling through music
immersive experience of mythology
wave-like pacing for reflection
communal energy for shared listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, standalone tracks
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on February 11, 2009, Noch Velesova was Arkona’s fourth studio album, following their influential record Vo Slavu Velikim. By this point in their career, the band had already established themselves as a prominent force in the pagan metal scene, known for integrating traditional Slavic themes into their music.
Stylistic neighbors: Korpiklaani· Finntroll· Eluveitie

New to Arkona? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Славься, Русь!

The chorus repeatedly calls upon the glory of Russia, invoking imagery of historical battles and cultural resilience.

The choice to emphasize collective memory through repetition reinforces a sense of shared identity and historical continuity among listeners.