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[Last update 10.8.2009] 
On the darkest day of the year, with Finland in thrall of Kaamos, the seals of the vault are broken and intrepid seekers may enter the Arktau Eos hermitage once again… Originally opened on Autumn Equinox 2005, this website has been completely revised for the occasion of its re-emergence, containing much material that has remained hitherto unreleased. Content may be added occasionally, but the next major installment will coincide with the release of our third album, on which more information can be found here.  Arktau Eos is a duo from Northern Finland operating in varied fields of electro-acoustic and experimental music. Sound, performance and the accompanying artwork are the media we presently employ as our public outlet, while Arktau Eos in its essence follows a star shining above and beyond. To quote a past press release: ”[…] Arktau Eos has become a sentient frame capable of capturing fleeting moments of oneiric activity, where essential gnosis manifests itself in blazing hieroglyphs... It is a ghastly and wondrous parade of cryptic images and sounds, which a given recording is a reflection of, thus becoming a new gateway for the perceptive listener.” You are invited to share this sacred dream. When a portal opens, tread respectfully and let your own vision be lit in refulgent bliss!  ...AIL & AIH, Arktau Eos, 22 XII 07 Ula... 
 Ai Ma Ra – the new album by Arktau Eos – is available for immediate ordering.  Ai Ma Ra is a monumental album containing over 105 minutes of experimental elemental and ambient music, original in the literal sense of the word. More than music, it is 'ethnography of the unknown' in action, providing vistas into rarely glimpsed corners of reality. Created primarily on acoustic instruments, organs and harmonium, carefully mastered on vintage tape, the sound is equally earthy as it is otherworldly – a contradiction in terms maybe, but then Ai Ma Ra is not classified easily in any other respect either. It is a record in which to immerse one’s self over time, containing more than two years' worth of strange experiences and sensations distilled into a curious, potent elixir, the use of which may in its truest sense be determined only by the individual listener. Ai Ma Ra comes in a sturdy, deep green cardboard box stamped with the mark of Arktau Eos. Contained within is an 8-page booklet bound in tête-bêche format on high quality paper, a small talismanic print, and two CDs. The price of the standard edition, pressed in 1.000 copies, is set at 15 euros plus postage; payment options include EU bank transfer and Paypal (Note: if you pay via Paypal we have to charge 5% for Paypal fees). Price (within European Union) 18 € (1st class airmail included).
Order from www.auralhypnox.com As for the special editions, there are two, both strictly limited to twelve copies (one for each song): The Cryptomphalos Edition, given gratis to friends and close associates. The Astrolith Edition, for trade only. In addition to the standard edition, both special editions contain an assortment of power-objects and artwork, the exact nature of which may differ between individual copies. A number of times we have seen people line up for special editions only for financial gain thru re-sale: this is disheartening due to the time and effort spent in preparation of items we do our best to infuse with value quite outside any monetary concerns whatsoever. On the other hand, we have rejoiced in the many unusual responses to our work from many an unexpected quarter. Therefore, as an experiment, we have decided on the following: Should you be desirous of acquiring a copy of The Astrolith Edition, we ask you something in exchange: be it items, preferably in two copies, to be set up on altars, sacrificed, or perhaps to be included directly in the future work of Arktau Eos. Something else? No guidelines, no limits. Just no money. Send your offer to al-runa [at] helixes [dot] org before Autumn Equinox with 'Astrolith Edition' as the subject line. All twelve copies will be signed to the recipient only, and your acceptance of the album signifies your understanding of being honour-bound not to sell it further – if it becomes obsolete, we ask you to destroy your copy. Let's see how it goes. [10.7.09] Album III Update - Release Imminent...
After much anticipation, the third Arktau Eos opus is - finally - ready for release before the end of this month. The CDs have arrived, sounding fine indeed, and the covers are being pressed now.
The album is spread over two CDs containing a total of just over 105 minutes of music; pressed in an edition of 1.000 copies, it comes in a cardboard box set including an 8-page booklet bound in tête-bêche format. A talismanic insert providing one view at the album’s 'inner form' is included with all copies. A special edition of 2 x 12 copies is planned; details will follow. The exact release date and ordering information will be announced on the Arktau Eos website and MySpace after mid-July.
In contrast to the veritable power-surge of elemental ambient music that was Mirrorion (and its companion piece Scorpion Milk), the new album represents a more contemplative Arktau Eos. Instead of a multitude of layers and sudden, electric jolts of magical energy, focus is firmly on the deep, catacumbal and dryadic root-sounds themselves, and letting them unfold at their own pace. And in all probability, the album will not open instantly: its demands in that respect have been directly proportional to its long gestation even from our perspective. Cryptic/surreal liner notes accompany each song, hopefully giving a slight sidereal glance at their origins outside of the studio environment.
 Arktau Eos '09. Photo by Gavin Semple. After finishing the album, a few steps into another direction were already taken in the form of the performance at Conway Hall in London, which was complemented by five sound segments (~40 mins) created entirely live. Existing in an outline form, they may or may not see completion as a studio recording in the future.  Arktau Eos - Equinox Festival '09. Photo by Simon Collins. [8.6.09] Equinox Festival Performance Details
Arktau Eos will perform Sunday June 14 at 2pm.
Please see the Equinox Festival website for a detailed festival guide.
Accompanying the core duo of Arktau Eos (AIH & AIL) will be percussionist Iwowi. Due to the special nature of the performance, the set will be completely new and unheard throughout: no music from the past or even the soon-to-emerge new 2cd will be aired on Sunday.
[7.6.09] The Wire Magazine / AE Advance Track
Please direct your browsers to the Equinox Festival preview of The Wire Magazine for an exclusive taster from the forthcoming Arktau Eos double album.
While the track obviously cannot represent the whole almost two hours worth of music contained on the discs, it does share a certain austerity with many of the other songs. Other than that, you'll just have to wait. Not much longer though. The long-awaited new album is being pressed now; details will be announced in due course, hopefully in a week or so.
Liber O vel Manus et Sagittae (film) - by Raymond Salvatore Harmon Based on the composited images of the Signs of the Grades from Aleister Crowley's book of the same name. A short experimental meditation on ritual, with sound by Arktau Eos. Streaming on The Wire Equinox Festival preview page: http://www.thewire.co.uk/articles/2569/ [18.2.09] Arktau Eos at Equinox Festival, London in June
Arktau Eos are pleased to announce a special appearance at Equinox Festival, held in London June 12, 13, 14. The performer/speaker program looks promising indeed, with such names as John Zorn, Z'EV, Aethenor & much more confirmed.
More details on a later date.
[22.11.08] Opus III complete
Today, we put the finishing touches to our forthcoming double-album. We are now looking for an early 2009 release. More details will follow. Behold the Stars become as Moths in Their Rising!
[09.10.08] Back from the Monuments of Ancient Londinium
In what became an ecstatic, joyous – if somewhat late – celebration of the Equinox, Arktau Eos appeared onstage at Cavendish Arms, Stockwell, London on 26^ September 2008. A small but dedicated audience had gathered together for this occasion, held in a cozy pub surrounded by the ghost-haunted streets south of Thames. The little imps playing havoc with our backing tape did not succeed in hampering the proceedings in the least: on the contrary, Arktau Eos went on for well over an hour, thus exceeding our original 40 minute estimate. Other performances were provided by Orryelle & This Too Shall Pass and Raagnagrok. Thanks are due to everyone involved, especially Orryelle for inviting us over, and Tim Coyote and Becky for the good company, lodging, and well-timed offerings of rum.
 
Photo: Mark Pilkington Arktau Eos return to Russia Arktau Eos (along with labelmates Aural Holograms and Halo Manash) are happy to confirm the following dates and venues: 
Further news on the album – a 2cd package in the works The earlier release September date for the third Arktau Eos opus has been set back by some months. Arktau Eos are happy to report that this is not due to laziness on our part, quite the contrary: we eventually found the abundance of material naturally extending to double-cd length. This has necessitated some amendments to our original plans. We trust those eager to get their claws on the new album will be well rewarded for the wait. The album promises to be an extensive, deeply mystical work, with an original sound that eschews excessive ornamentation in favour of an unadulterated, timeless experience. The album will be sent to press soon after our return from Russia. Misc-section has also been updated
[28.07.08] London date confirmed
Arktau Eos are most pleased to announce their U.K. debut at Cavendish Arms, Stockwell, London on 26 September 2008.
3 dynamic experimental musick acts converge for this once-off night of musick and ritual: Orryelle (Australia) with This Too Shall Pass (UK), Arktau Eos (Finland), Gerechtigkeits Liga (UK, Germany) plus improvisational collaborations... Presented by Theatre of Ophidia.
[26.04.08] Arktau Eos NOT appearing at Sisto Palty Togathering 2008
Despite being listed as appearing at Sisto Palty 2008 festival in Russia (8.-12. May) Aural Hypnox recording artists Arktau Eos (and Halo Manash) will not be performing there.
The reason is simple: no representative of the group or the label has been contacted about the festival in the first place!
The news reached us through a third party only days ago, and we are at present trying to find out the root of this strange mix-up. Needless to say, going out at this short notice is impossible, plain and simple. Missing such a nice opportunity to return to Russia is regrettable, and we intend to remedy this - properly prepared - at a suitable future date.
[24.03.08] Homunculus Gestation
Arktav Eos are now looking forward to an early Autumn release for their forthcoming third album, TBA. This extended suspension between the worlds is necessitated by other activities demanding our attention at the moment. If time and circumstance permit, we may release limited artwork or other items relating to Arktav Eos in the meantime. Once again, we thank you for your continued interest in Arktav Eos.
[20.01.08] Misc-section updated with photos and artwork.
 Arktau Eos Onstage   For more photographic evidence of the tour, please head here or outside the site here. Pleasantly surprised by the attentive response of the audience, we now plan further live performances. Promoters interested in having Arktau Eos over are encouraged to contact us; unusual arrangements and venues also welcome.  NOTES FROM THE PAST Fires of Autumn Burning Bright  Into the Crypt Copies of “Mirrorion” may still be available for sale at the museum.  Reception Most inspiring is the feedback we have received from those people around the globe, whether friends, colleagues or unknown to us, who have appreciated our work in greater perspective than that of a musical group. Your insights have been illuminating – thank you.  |