To most, Arcana was the lyrical equivalent of the darkest feelings and our darkest thoughts. This band offered a lyrical and engaging ritual atmosphere based on a lot of instruments ( i.e. Cabasa, Darabouka, Caxixi, Timpani, Shekere, Udu Hadgini, African Shell Shaker, Tambourine, Chimes, Cymbals, Sleigh Bells, Djembe, Hammered Dulcimer, Accoustic Guitar, Egyptian Oud, Egyptian Finger Cymbals. These are just some of the instruments they have used over the years) coupled with choral ethereal female vocals and capturing male vocals.
Having formed by Peter Bjärgö in 1994 the band has released 8 albums until 2012 most of them in Cold Meat Industry. Their music with a strong ritualistic element had close links to the dark ambient genre and the atmosphere of the album ‘Cantar De Procella’ was unpecedented. Arcana’s music had similarities with the early music of Dead Can Dance and Collection d’Arnell Andrea (e.g. ‘Autumnal’ from the album Raspail) but had a stronger and ‘heavier’ ritual element than these two bands. Drums and bells have always intensified the atmosphere while the sound of synth and piano placed their music closer to the neoclassical style. Arcana have been the inspiration of many bands that followed their path in music. Even though Peter Bjärgö has released three albums in dark ambient mood as his solo work since 2005 and will continue to do so, the spirit of the early Arcana seemed to belong to the past.
The final page of this band’s history was written on October 11 2014 where with sadness we read that the forthcoming performance of the band in Berlin with Fjernlys on November 1st will be the last appearance of the band marking its dissolution. The full statement as we read it at the official facebook page of the band is the following:
” Arcana: Status update
“I have been thinking about this for a long time, and haves come to the conclusion that I need to make some drastic changes in Arcana in order to continue.
For a long time I have felt uninspired and stagnated, when it comes to the songs and sound of Arcana. With such great musicians and people that are, and have been, in the Arcana ”line-up”, comes a responsibility to bring them into their own light, which also ,of course,colours the sound of Arcana.
We have done some amazing work together, which I am truly grateful for.
But it’s time for change….
Reason: Survival
I need to go back deep down the roots and discover for starting this project, to search for the feel, thought and mind-set that made me start this, twenty years ago.
I would like to thank all the people that have been involved in Arcana, and the all the people that have been supporting us throughout the years.
The performance in Berlin 2014 will be the last in this shape. So, as of now, the line-up of Arcana is dissolved.
Love to all!”
Peter
October 11, 2014 ”
Blaue Rosen