1. For those who have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little about the band?
Kenaz:
The first thing I’d like people to know is that the composition relies mainly on two members: the lyrics are written by Vorthen and the guitars are handled by me, Kenaz.
The drums were recorded based on an initial foundation provided by Ismael Pérez, and the bass was recorded by Funebrius.
Both Vorthen and I were part of another band, and in 2023 we decided to gather certain songs and shape them into our own project — to free their potential and be honest with what we want to express musically, without restrictions.
We already have more than 20 songs, but we’ll release them in small doses due to the time it takes to produce them at the level we aim for. And we believe this also matches how listeners prefer releases nowadays. Personally, I prefer shorter albums and shorter waits for new material.
Vorthen:
Arcano is a band that, despite being new, carries a lot of history. Both Kenaz and I have been involved in extreme metal since the 90s. We met more than 20 years ago in another band, and from there we shared several projects and built a friendship.
After some time, we met again in a local band and decided to also work together in Arcano — as he said, to be free to express ideas as a duo. I think what’s interesting is that even though we’re very different in many musical aspects, we complement each other and manage to create something authentic, free, and sincere.
I’m certain that if each of us had a solo project, both would sound completely different — and that’s exactly what makes Arcano special.
2. You recently recorded your first EP. Can you tell us a bit more about the musical style you aimed for on this release?
Kenaz:
Speaking about the composition and the musical aspect, we tried to create something “different” within the realm of melodic black metal.
The first release has three tracks that are quite different from one another, which reflects the range the band covers: fairly melodic black metal, somewhat atmospheric, somewhat epic, somewhat catchy, and even at times post-black.
The latter will be more noticeable in future releases, along with a style that I believe leans toward “epic melancholy,” which aims directly at emotional expression.
Vorthen:
Personally, I try not to impose stylistic limitations on myself, giving priority to emotional expression.
Of course, we have many influences, and I think most of them converge into black metal, adding textures and different sensations that give our music its personal identity.
3. The first EP is part of a conceptual trilogy. Can you tell us more about that concept?
I already mentioned the musical part earlier. The concept — Ariel, I leave that to you…
Vorthen:
I believe we need to be honest with ourselves, to go further, without fear of what we might find.
4. Many of your lyrics deal with philosophy and mysticism. Can you tell us more about your interest in these themes?
Vorthen:
Of course. We try not to live in “automatic mode,” but rather to question the “why,” which we often forget due to the noise of the mundane.
Even though I believe many things are beyond our level of understanding, the idea is to aim toward a philosophy of existence. There are still many unanswered questions, and many answers yet to be found.
5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name Arcano?
Kenaz:
Simply what the word means etymologically: something hidden or secret — and that is exactly what we want to reveal: the hidden elements, what lies beneath in our musical expression, and the concepts we want to communicate. It is something that emerges from within.
Vorthen:
Exactly. Arcano represents the hidden — those answers and emotions we try to capture in our music.
6. Can you tell us more about the artwork that appears on the EP cover?
Kenaz:
The band’s logo is placed at the center as a form of introduction.
A kind of alchemical-symbolism mandala represents knowledge that has always been transmitted in an occult, symbolic way — something we must interpret.
A forest in the background represents the primordial, the nature from which we humans derive, and what initiates the trilogy — perhaps reflected in the track Mycellium.
Behind the logo there is an eye — which will be more visible in video versions — possibly representing the track Introspection, which points toward self-knowledge and awareness.
7. Have you played any live shows, or are you open to the idea?
Kenaz:
The first thing we focused on was composing and releasing the first EP.
Since we don’t have permanent live musicians yet, we’re saving live performances for when we find the right members.
8. You are currently unsigned. Are you looking for a label, or have you received any interest?
Kenaz:
Since the band is very new, we don’t have a label yet, nor do we think it’s necessary. But as we record more material, it’s something we might consider for future reissues.
Vorthen:
We’re honestly not pursuing that and haven’t planned for it. Everything is happening organically. But yes, we could consider the possibility at some point.
9. How has the reaction been from black metal listeners worldwide?
Kenaz:
It will take some time to promote the material and receive broader feedback.
Some promoters have not published our work for being somewhat unorthodox — which we understand.
For now, the most sincere feedback has come from our close circle — they have no problem telling you the truth, and it has been positive.
As for listeners we don’t know personally, well… they will usually say nice things. And if there are haters? What matters is provoking something — love or hate.
Vorthen:
This is a process that has just begun.
The first impressions I’ve noticed have been good. I also noticed that it was hard for some people to classify the band under a specific style — which I see as something positive.
I received several positive comments regarding composition and production.
10. Where do you see the band heading musically in the future?
Kenaz:
Toward a more defined Arcano-style identity.
It won’t necessarily become heavier or much more melodic. It will be emotional, melancholic, epic, and hopefully very expressive.
Vorthen:
Musically, I’m sure it will become more expressive and emotional. We work on connecting with our inner selves and expressing that.
11. Which bands or musical styles have influenced your sound, and what are you listening to lately?
Kenaz:
Although I don’t try to reproduce any specific style, there are influences that blend into an interpretative mix and translate according to personal experience.
Besides black and death metal, I also listen to djent, math rock, and a lot of solo guitarists.
Regarding black metal:
Artists: Ihsahn, Nergal
Bands: Mgła, Igorrr, Leprous
The last band I discovered is a Latin American project called Selbst.
Vorthen:
Vocally, my main influence is Tomas Lindberg.
As for what I’m listening to, it's very varied — inside and outside metal and rock. I enjoy all kinds of sentimental music, especially nostalgic or melancholic.
Regarding black metal, lately I’ve been listening to many French bands such as Les Bastards du Roi, Houle, and others like Ciemra, ACOD, Vorga, Tryglav, Sworn.
12. Does occultism play any role in your music?
Kenaz:
Not specifically occultism, paganism, or magic — maybe only as symbolism.
What does inspire us is philosophical exploration and introspection.
13. Before we wrap up the interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Kenaz:
Thank you.
Through music — even if I don’t believe in humanity — I try to communicate with it.
Even if I leave no descendants, I try to transcend.
Vorthen:
Thank you very much for the interest and the space — to you and to anyone reading this.
We hope you can connect with Arcano, with the music and the concept, rethink many things, and travel toward the unknown.
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