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Arkona's new EP, Stenka na Stenku, offers just the kind of Pagan/Folk Metal I've come to enjoy from bands such as Russia's Tverd or the U.K.'s Ildra. Solid metal riffs combined seamlessly with folk instruments, such as flutes, cellos and hand drums, mark the songs on Stenka na Stenku, which include one new track, an acoustic version of their last album's title track and a few covers.

Led by talented singer Maria "Scream" Arhipova's powerful clean vocals as well as her blackened growls, Arkona successfully turn even the covers into their own creations on Stenka na Stenku. The title track is a fun, frenetic song appropriate for a long night of drinking and carousing. The EP goes a bit acoustic with "Goi, Rode, Goi!" and then whips over to Black Metal on "Skal" with the help of Varg's Freki on vocals. There's a lot going on, but Arkona keep it all flowing with their excellent sense of folk melody.

Stenka na Stenku is my first experience with Arkona (shame on me, it seems) and I am impressed. Folk Metal that uses a variety of instruments and a variety of musical styles will always have a place in my metal library, and I am left anxiously awaiting their next album.