Disguised Masters

Warning! This is not a new Arcturus album. Instead it is a hodgepodge of leftover songs and remixes from their supposed final album, La Masquerade Infernale. Disguised Masters was created more as a sinful pleasure for the die-hard fans, rather then a strange, marketable album, for which the band is usually known. Only a few of the tracks should even be considered metal! Arcturus, being the eccentric bunch they are, instead provide listeners with one new track, "Deception Genesis," which is very similar in style to La Masquerade, and a series of techno/hip-hop/industrial remixes from the aforementioned album. This album is not recommended to the average Arcturus listener, who expects masterfully creative, ultra-symphonic, weird metal tunes, unless, of course, you are yearning for special house cleaning music. Don't misunderstand, it is an interesting album, just very different. For the most part, it is an instrumental album, minus the new track, the re-recording of Aspera Hiems Symfonia's "Du Nordavind," and the gangsta-rap remix of "Master of Disguise" (who knew Garm had it in him!). This makes a challenging listen for those new to Arcturus and their brand of brain-numbing madness, better known as symphonic metal. The band's first two releases are recommended to those unfortunate souls who have been without Arcturus' presence, while this album should be left to those familiar with the band. To the diehards, this may be Arcturus' epitaph -- the last testament offered from this ingenious, genre-bending band. Rest in peace. ~ Jason Hundey