Pagan metal institution Arkona unveils eerie new single ‘Сестра’

Following the critically acclaimed release of their apocalyptic concept album Kob’ (2023), pagan folk metal visionaries ARKONA return with a mesmerizing new single, “Cectpa” (English: Sister). Unveiling a darker, more introspective side, the track conjures a haunting atmosphere through solemn organ melodies, doom-tinged riffs, and the ethereal voice of frontwoman Masha Scream. Accompanied by an official music video, “Cectpa” weaves an emotional tale of inner grief and spiritual reckoning, continuing ARKONA’s tradition of blending folkloric mysticism with metal’s raw intensity.

After a successful 2023 that included a tour with labelmates Patriarkh (ex-Batushka) and a well-received appearance at Summer Breeze Open Air in 2024, ARKONA now set out on their Summer Rituals tour across Europe. From intimate venues to major festival stages, the band continues to bring their intense blend of Slavic pagan tradition, blackened metal, and theatrical performance to devoted audiences. With over two decades of evolution behind them, ARKONA remain a commanding force—fierce, emotional, and spiritually resonant.

ARKONA about the new single “Cectpa”:

“The song ‘Cectpa’ (Sister) is a non-album single, which was spontaneously written by Maria specifically for the student who is learning vocal skills from her.

Conceptually, the song tells about the deep mental anguish of a person who is on the verge of going into oblivion with the help of fire, which is eating away at the exhausted body from the inside. Sestra is the anguish which acts as a twin sister, the personification of her own internal mental suffering, and the heroine of the song has a dialogue with her, and ultimately says goodbye to her when death finally captures the heroine in its arms.

The single cover artwork, created by the artists Rotten Fantom, fully reflects the concept of the song, visualizing its content in dark philosophical tones.

The musical accompaniment is extraordinarily doom metal, closely echoing the melodic line and folk choral voices of traditional Arkona. It’s recommended for those who loved the songs such as ‘Strela’, ‘Oh, Pechal’-Toska’, ‘Zimushka’.”

ARKONA Summer rituals over Europe:
26.06.25 CZ – Spálené Poříčí / Basinfire Fest
27.06.25 RO – Timișoara / Road Patrol Open Air
28.06.25 RO – Cluj-Napoca / Machines Venue
29.06.25 RO – Bucharest / Quantic
04.07.25 HU – Budapest / Rock Maraton Fest
05.07.25 BE – Ghent / Litha Fest
06.07.25 DE – Weinheim / Café Central
17.07.25 FR – Montpellier / Secret Place
18.07.25 PT – Vila Nova de Famalicão / Laurus Nobilis Fest
19.07.25 NL – Amstelveen / P60

ARKONA are:
Masha “Scream” – Vocals, Keyboards, Percussion
Sergei “Lazar” – Guitars
Ruslan “Kniaz” – Bass
Vladimir “Volk” – Wind Instruments
Alexander Smirnov – Drums