Arafel (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Arafel


Landscape =
Background = group_or_band
Alias =
Origin = Tel Aviv, Israel
Genre = Black metal
Folk metal
Years_active = 1997–present
Label = SPG Records
Associated_acts = Acropolis, The Fading, Nail Within, Azazel, Tvangeste
URL =
Current_members = Ilia Badrov Felius Leshii Pavel Mitiyanine R.K. Nasha
Past_members = Candlelight
Mihail
Daniel Varfolomeyev
G.R.O.M
Oboroten
Divertigo
Max Gringaus
Notable_instruments = Arafel is an Israeli black metal band which was formed in 1997 by former Soviet Union origin musicians. The band plays black metal influenced by Russian and Ukrainian folk music. The lyrics deal with Slavic legends as well.

In 1999 Arafel recorded the demo "Skazki Starogo Lesa" ("Tales of the Ancient Forest"). It was released under "Bavernia Records" the same year.

During the year of 2002 the band recorded their first album in Poland, and it was released later in 2003 under the Russian label "Sound Age". "The Way of Defender" is a concept album about the national Russian hero, Alexander Nevsky, Duke of Russia of the 13th century.

In October 2004 Arafel recorded their latest effort "Through the Flame of the Ages", which was released in late 2005 under "SPG Records". The vocals were recorded by Michael "Miron" Chirva of the Russian black metal band "Tvangeste". [ [http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=5547 Arafel profile] , Encyclopaedia Metallum]

Vocalist Ilia Badrov and guitarist Pavel Mitiyanine and currently also active with Israeli popular Thrash/Death metal band The Fading.

Members

Current members

* Ilia Badrov - vocals (2006–present)
* Felius - guitars (1999–present)
* Leshii - drums (1997–present)
* Paul Mitiyanine - guitars (2006–present)
* R.K. - bass (2006–present)
* Nasha - violin (2006–present)

Former members

* Candlelight - vocals, keyboards (1997–2003)
* Mihail - guitars, bass (1997–2003)
* Oboroten (Leon Notik) - guitars, vocals (1997–1999)
* G.R.O.M - bass (1997–2006)
* Daniel Varfolomeyev - guitars, bass, backing vocals (2003–2006)
* Divertigo (Alex Karlinsky) - keyboards (2005–2006)
* Max Gringaus - bass (2005–2006)
* Natalia Silantieva - violin
* Michael "Miron" Chirva - vocals (2005) - on "Through the Flame of the Ages"

Discography

* "Skazki Starogo Lesa" / "Tales of the Ancient Forest" (1999)
* "The Way of Defender" (2003)
* "Through the Flame of the Ages" (2005)

References

External links

* [http://www.arafel-band.com Official website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/arafelband Arafel at MySpace]
* [http://www.metalist.co.il/AlbumReviewPrivate.asp?id=116 'The Way of Defender' review (Hebrew)]
* [http://www.metalist.co.il/AlbumReviewPrivate.asp?id=352 'Through the Flame of the Ages' review (Hebrew)]
* [http://www.metalstorm.ee/pub/review.php?review_id=2480 'Through the Flame of the Ages' review] , Metal Storm
* [http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=1&sid=1&id=10310 'Through the Flame of the Ages' review] , The Metal Observer
* [http://www.maelstrom.nu/ezine/review_iss42_2889.php?issue=42&sid=&osCsid=%3Cb 'Through the Flame of the Ages' review] , Maelstrom Zine