Arcanum Sanctum - Pax EP

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 16 Jan 2026

Tracklist:

1. A Different Form of Life

2. Wake Up

3. Resistance

4. Song of Hope

Russian melodic death metal band Arcanum Sanctum released their latest EP Pax in January. Arcanum Sanctum first formed as a duo in 2004 and since then they have grown their ranks, releasing a demo and three significant full-lengths in the process. I am a little confused by the size of the band currently as the promo pic I've seen contains four members, the promo e-mail I've been sent lists five and their bandcamp page goes one further still. What I do know though is that this EP was mastered by none other than Dan Swanö of Unisound (and Edge of Sanity fame, amongst others).

Arcanum Sanctum describe their music as being melodic death metal with a Soviet sci-fi movie soundtrack approach. I’m not exactly sure how that’s going to translate when I hit play but the EP cover art certainly backs up their bio. The keyboard tones that kick off EP opener ‘A Different Form of Life’ bring forth an upbeat feel that exists throughout the song, even spilling over to the drums, bass and guitars. The vocals, while harsh as expected, fit really well amongst all of this and I must say, the instrumentation is excellent.

‘Wake Up’ delivers something a little more familiar sounding in terms of the band’s melodic death metal approach, but catchiness isn’t far away and before long your enveloped by Arcanum Sanctum’s warming soundtrack once again. I’m blown away by how good this EP sounds. I was a little bit wary about this being on the cheesier end of the spectrum but it’s way more genuine and engrossing, so there’s no need to be wary at all.

The transition from ‘Wake Up’ to ‘Resistance’ keeps the momentum high, leading to more upbeat tempos and melodies. You could call this extreme metal for people who don’t like extreme metal and that would be true to a degree, but it would also be doing Arcanum Sanctum a huge disservice. At risk of sounding like I was paid to write this review (I wasn’t!), I can’t get enough of it.

EP closer ‘Song of Hope’ is the longest song here and also, as the title suggests, one that spreads an important message during difficult times. Musical maturity spills over in the form of exquisite lead guitar and subtle keyboard strokes early on, before a bit of introspection leads to classy soloing and well crafted variation later on.

Every once in a while (and it’s becoming less frequent) a band shoots across my bow that really stands out. Don’t get me wrong, all of the music I choose to write about here is written about because I personally enjoy it (otherwise, what’s the point?), but Arcanum Sanctum just hit different. It’s like they’re on another plain (or planet, if you will). Definitely give this your time.

You can stream and purchase Pax digitally via bandcamp below:-

Arcanum Sanctum - https://www.facebook.com/arcanumsanctum