Arcturus: La Masquerade Infernale (1997)

Arcturus: La Masquerade Infernale (1997)

Listening to Arcturus' second album conjures images of a theatrical, costumed ball taking place during a lunar eclipse, populated with people in grotesque animal masks who indulge in all kinds of icky vices at the drop of a hat (or a mask).

It's an almost vaudevillian exploration of what 'metal' can be. In plainer terms, the words 'avant-garde' and 'Norway' will maybe be helpful. The dissonance and semi-operatic vocal style might alienate some traditional metal fans, but folks that connect to the madness may love it - even after seeing through the veil and becoming familiar with its inner workings.