Biography
Hailing from the heart of England and the lands of the ancient forest of Sherwood, Arx Atrata emerged in late 2013. Drawing from a wide range of influences — atmospheric metal masters such as Coldworld and Agalloch, the ambient stylings of Lustre and Paysage d'Hiver, the majesty of Summoning, and a touch of countrymen Winterfylleth and Fen — the result was début album 'Oblivion', a work of blackened doom metal infused with melancholic atmospheres and wintry synth textures, which was met with widespread acclaim.
While originally remaining anonymous to let the music stand on its own terms, speculation over the identity of the members threatened to become an unnecessary distraction. Arx Atrata was therefore revealed to be the work of songwriter and performer Ben Sizer, who had already begun work on the follow-up album. 'Spiritus In Terra' was released in 2016 to similar acclaim as the first record, including overwhelmingly positive reviews in the British metal print press. Building on its predecessor's mournful tones and adding pensive themes of loss while being armed with a weightier production, this reached new fans and brought Arx Atrata to wider attention.
2019's 'The Path Untravelled' and the 2021 instrumental split 'The Warrior Cycle' followed, showcasing continued growth while never departing from the sorrowful aura or black metal textures established by the début.
After a period of relative quiescence, 2024's return with 'A Reckoning' is the boldest record yet, firmly staking Arx Atrata's claim to be one of the UK's most exceptional black metal acts.
Style & Genre
Epic / Atmospheric Black Metal
For fans of: Coldworld, Sojourner, Winterfylleth, Summoning, Agalloch, Saor, Cân Bardd, The Great Old Ones, Imperium Decadenz, Elderwind, and Alcest.
Other influences include: Woods of Ypres, Wodensthrone, Forest Stream, Paysage D’Hiver, Darkspace, and Der Weg Einer Freiheit.
Discography & Releases
All albums are independently self-released and available digitally and physically via Bandcamp.
A Reckoning
July 2024 • Full-length
The Warrior Cycle
2021 • Instrumental Split
The Path Untravelled
October 2019 • Full-length
Spiritus In Terra
September 2016 • Full-length
Oblivion
December 2013 • Full-length
Press & Reviews
A Reckoning (2024)
- “sets the bar for what this genre can do ... pure excellence” — Musipedia Of Metal, 10/10
- “commands not just to be heard but to be felt” — Metal Temple, 9/10
- “head out into the great unknown with this as your soundtrack and find yourself richly rewarded” — Ave Noctum, 8/10
- “full of bleak and reflective moments” — Metal Eclipse
The Path Untravelled (2019)
- “Razor-sharp melodicism” — Metal Hammer, 8/10
- “An undeniable winner” — Metal Temple, 9/10
Spiritus In Terra (2016)
- “The epic structures are an absolute delight” — Terrorizer, 8.5/10
- “It really is difficult to find fault in Spiritus In Terra” — Zero Tolerance, 5/6
Oblivion (2013)
- “Frozen beauty and lavish texture” — Zero Tolerance, 5.5/6
- “A hugely rich work with great sense of atmosphere” — Ave Noctum, 8.5/10
- “Gloomy, grandiose, graceful” — No Clean Singing
Current Line-up
All vocals, instruments, synths — Ben Sizer
(Tentative enquiries are being made regarding assembling a full live line-up.)
Contact & Official Links
Get in touch for press inquiries, licensing, or booking: