ARKONA An Eternal Curse of the Pagan Godz CD

Originally recorded in 1994, the cult demo An Eternal Curse of the Pagan Godz by the Polish black metal band Arkona was reissued on CD in 2022 by the label Old Temple. This release is a seminal piece of the early Polish black metal scene, representing the raw, second-wave sound that established Arkona as a key player alongside other legendary acts like Graveland. Recorded during a nightly rehearsal in March 1994 at Tuba Studio, the music is characterized by its heavily distorted guitars, simple yet effective drumming, and the distinctive raven screaming vocals of the late Messiah. The CD version released by Old Temple features nine tracks—though sometimes categorized as eight main songs and an outro—including staples like Only True Belief, Under the Arms of Lucipher, and the title track. Lyrically, the work is a fierce expression of pagan idolatry, anti Christian sentiments, and themes of war and nature, which were central to the identity of the Polish underground at the time. The 2022 Old Temple reissue was produced in a limited jewel case edition, often featuring a gold disc and hand-numbered copies for collectors. It serves as a historical document of the band’s primitive beginnings, maintaining the original low tech analog charm that has made this demo a persistent favorite among fans of raw and atmospheric black metal for over three decades.