Just as you begin wondering whether Arcturian will be an electronical remix of an old album, the tone of "Arcturian", the song, changes to avant-garde arcturian metal sounds of old and soon after, ICS Vortex's vocals soar up, all 70's like. Arcturus' joker has just fooled you again.
 
There is a vintage hard rock touch over the whole album. Arcturian is groovy and old-school, it is crazy and renewing, it is melodic and progressive, it is varied and harmoniously balanced, it is simply overwhelming and inspiring.

Arcturian is true to the style developed by Arcturus, especially since their 1995 release, La Masquerade Infernale. In itself it is not so daring, because Arcturus have done it all, and on Arcturian, they do it with more style than ever.

For me, they are coming a long way since their last release in 2005, Sideshow Symphonies, that no matter my personal meaning, has granted Arcturus with many awards and enhanced their popularity. After several listens, I'm starting to hear some flashbacks to the above mentioned release, but at the same time, Arcturian draws a link to Arcturus' debuts in terms of fuzziness of sound and melodies.

Let's hope Arcturus themselves (guitarist Knut Magne might be the one) will be standing for the soundcheck on tour. Otherwise, I'm more than ready to welcome the Arcturian vessel.