A whirlwind of Arabic percussion and the magical sound of ancient oriental string instruments lead into a crushing riff of deadly electric guitars. Thus opens "Salam" ("Peace") the second album of ARKAN – a Parisian Metal band founded by Foued Moukid in the year 2005.

The former drummer of the late THE OLD DEAD TREE raised ARKAN with a clear vision in mind: to amalgamate melodic Death Metal with Oriental traditions, whose roots reach deep down into the ethnic sounds of Algeria and Morocco and into these young musicians. Their debut "Hilal" (2008) received high praise for its originality and mature songwriting. Now "Salam" witnesses ARKAN reaching an even higher level of mastery. The sounds of East and West, the melodies of North and South are expertly woven together into colourful song textures.

Florent Jannier's deep growls now find their beautiful counterpart in the haunting clear voice of Sarah Layssac, who already supported the band on tour. ARKAN give true meaning to the term Oriental Death Metal. The excellent production by Fredrik Nordström (IN FLAMES, DIMMU BORGIR) in Studio Fredman and a gripping guest appearance of Kobi Farhi (ORPHANED LAND) provide the perfect finish for this masterpiece. Experience the mystical force of the Maghreb ("Place of Sunset") clad in the strength of modern Metal. ARKAN give you "Salam"!