Arx Atrata

Label

None / self-releasing.

All albums available at Bandcamp: arxatrata.bandcamp.com

Style/genre

Epic/atmospheric black metal.

For fans of: Coldworld, Sojourner, Winterfylleth, Summoning, Agalloch, Saor, Cân Bardd, The Great Old Ones, Imperium Decadenz, Elderwind, and Alcest.

Other influences include Woods of Ypres, Wodensthrone, Forest Stream, Paysage D’Hiver, Darkspace, and Der Weg Einer Freiheit.

Location

Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Biography

Hailing from the heart of England and the lands of the ancient forest of Sherwood, Arx Atrata emerged in late 2013. Drawing from a wide range of influences - atmospheric metal masters such as Coldworld and Agalloch, the ambient stylings of Lustre and Paysage d'Hiver, the majesty of Summoning, and a touch of countrymen Winterfylleth and Fen - the result was début album 'Oblivion', a work of blackened doom metal infused with melancholic atmospheres and wintry synth textures, and which was met with widespread acclaim.

While originally remaining anonymous to let the music stand on its own terms, speculation over the identity of the members threatened to become an unnecessary distraction. Arx Atrata was therefore revealed to be the work of songwriter and performer Ben Sizer, who had already begun work on the follow-up album. 'Spiritus In Terra' was released in 2016 to similar acclaim as the first record, including overwhelmingly positive reviews in the British metal print press. Building on its predecessor's mournful tones and adding pensive themes of loss while being armed with a weightier production, this reached new fans and brought Arx Atrata to wider attention.

2019's 'The Path Untravelled' and the 2021 instrumental split 'The Warrior Cycle' followed, showcasing continued growth while never departing from the sorrowful aura or black metal textures established by the début.

After a period of relative quiescence, 2024's return with 'A Reckoning' is the boldest record yet, firmly staking Arx Atrata's claim to be one of the UK's most exceptional black metal acts.

Current line-up

All vocals, instruments, synths – Ben Sizer (Tentative enquiries are being made regarding assembling a full live line-up.)