Review Text
ARD are of Northumbria. The band's name is taken from an Old English word meaning "native land" in the dialect of the Anglian Kingdom of Northumbria. The concept behind the debut album "Take Up My Bones" from this insular doom metal solo project created by composer and musician Mark Deeks revolves around the legendary relics of the famous Northumbrian saint Cuthbert (634 - 687) and their long journey. ARD built their artistic quest for heritage and identity upon a solid doom foundation. The early medieval Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria that inspired ARD was far larger than the historic English county Northumberland implies. Before the Germanic warriors arrived, at first as a part of the Roman armies and later as conquerors, the Romans had subjugated the local population of Brittonic Votadini, speakers of a Celtic language. The Roman Empire had left a religious legacy that firmly took root in neighbouring Ireland and soon began to affect the new Germanic rulers of these northern lands as well as ultimately inspiring the tale of "Take Up My Bones": Christianity. The early medieval coastal monasteries of Whithorn in the west and Lindisfarne to the east bear witness to this transition. It is in Lindisfarne on Holy Island in the time after the devastating Viking attack from across the sea in the year 793 where the story of the remains of St. Cuthbert begins: a 200-year journey that saw the saint's remains finally reburied in the cathedral of Durham. The legends and mystery of the translation of the saint's relics such as the refusal of his coffin to be moved or the lack of corruption upon his corpse after decades shape the core of this conceptual musical tale. With crushing glacial-paced doom, monastic sounding chants and choirs, and sorrowful yet epic melodies, ARD have found the perfect musical expression to tell a tale of their homelands. Mark Deeks, who earned his PhD in Philosophy on the topic of "National Identity in Northern and Eastern European Heavy Metal", is also a member of leading UK black metal stalwarts WINTERFYLLETH and keeps himself busy as a musical director, arranger, piano coach, and conductor as well as a best selling author. On "Take Up My Bones", Mark is supported by WOLCENSMEN mastermind Dan Capp on guitars and backing vocals. He is also joined by ATAVIST drummer Callum Cox, and a spellbinding performance from cellist Jo Quail (MY DYING BRIDE et al.) delivers the coup de grace. Tracklist: 1. Burden Foretold 2. Take Up My Bones 3. Raise then the Incorrupt Body 4. Boughs of Trees 5. Banner of the Saint 6. Only Three Shall Know Bonus tracks (artbook only): 1. Geonde Arð 2. Raise Then The Incorrupt Body (Hymn Version) 3. Only Three Shall Know (Hymn Version)
