De Arma - Strayed in Shadows

Melancholy is a double-edged sword – at one moment unbearably painful, but sometimes also a bittersweet longing for those affected. Without a doubt, this feeling permeates all the songs on DE ARMA's second album "Strayed in Shadows" in one way or another. Because while the Swedes skillfully rebalance themselves between dark metal, gothic rock, shoegaze, and even post-punk with effortless ease, melancholy remains the duo's true anchor point. Although geography is often overemphasized in the interpretation of music, the darkness of the long Nordic winters has apparently left its mark on DE ARMA. In addition, the band significantly changed its lineup on "Strayed in Shadows". Instead of FEN and FELLWARDEN mastermind Frank "The Watcher" Allain, who sang on the debut album "Lost, Alien & Forlorn" (2013), band founder, guitarist and bassist Andreas Pettersson has now taken over the microphone – as he already did with STILLA and other bands. This decision is partly due to the very personal lyrics of "Strayed in Shadows". On the tracks 'Illusions of Love' and 'Days of Judgement', the Swede is vocally supported by the magnificent guest appearance of Maria Oja – a constellation that invites comparison with ANATHEMA and ANTIMATTER. Especially in these two songs, but also in other passages of "Strayed in Shadows", another aspect of DE ARMA comes to the fore: For all the darkness and melancholy inherent in the duo's songs, they also offer a warm feeling of security and protection. With "Strayed in Shadows", DE ARMA sends out a ray of light that invites listeners to a cozy refuge in a sea of Nordic melancholy.

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