KRAKEN
- Abandoned
Arkeyn Steel Records
KRAKEN’s Abandoned returns once more through Arkeyn
Steel Records, marking the label’s second effort to preserve and spotlight this
long‑lost
chapter of Canadian heavy metal history. Originally recorded in 1982—and, if
memory serves, released shortly after—the album carries the unmistakable stamp
of its era, yet it also feels strikingly ahead of its time. The production,
handled by Lips of ANVIL, gives the material a raw but purposeful edge that
suits the band’s classic heavy/power metal direction.
The album’s nine tracks show a band with clear vision
and surprising maturity for such an early release. Several songs stand out
immediately: “Burn Witch Burn,” “Greed & Deception,” “Vampire,” “Easy
Sleazy,” and “Desperate Solutions” all showcase strong songwriting, memorable
riffs, and a sense of urgency that elevates them beyond typical early‑’80s underground metal. The remaining tracks hold
their own as well, rounding out a consistent and engaging listen.
The vocals fit the material effectively, and the
guitar work—arguably the album’s strongest asset—adds both character and
momentum. Arkeyn Steel’s reissue treatment is also worth noting: the booklet,
presentation, and sound restoration demonstrate real care and respect for the
source material, making this edition feel definitive.
For fans of classic heavy and power metal, this
release is an essential pickup. For listeners outside the genre, it’s still a
compelling snapshot of a band that deserved far more recognition than it
received. Abandoned stands as one of the year’s strongest re-releases and a
highlight in Arkeyn Steel Records’ catalog.
Ioannis Kaskamanidis
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