Origin: Russia
Location: Novosibirsk, Novosibirsk Oblast
Formed: 2013
Status: Active
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal / Ambient
Label: Depressive Illusions Records
Themes: Not officially listed
Years active: 2013–present
Arrant is an atmospheric black metal and ambient project from Novosibirsk, founded in 2013 and driven entirely by the multi‑instrumentalist Neon. The project’s sound blends cold, melancholic black metal with spacious ambient textures, creating music that is both emotionally distant and deeply introspective. Arrant’s compositions often revolve around themes of solitude, winter landscapes, and existential decay, expressed through raw guitar tones, hypnotic repetition, and a distinctly Siberian sense of desolation.
The project began with a burst of activity in 2013, releasing the singles Host Fades and Fortvilelse, followed by the self‑titled EP Arrant. These early works established the project’s atmospheric foundation—minimalistic yet immersive, with a strong emphasis on mood over aggression. The digital single Abyss (2013), featuring Neon as the sole member, further showcased the project’s ambient tendencies.
In 2014, Arrant released a series of singles and demos, culminating in the full‑length Reflection of the Day and Night. This album became a defining moment for the project, praised in underground circles for its cold, meditative atmosphere and its ability to merge depressive black metal elements with ambient soundscapes. The record’s long, drifting compositions and melancholic melodies helped solidify Arrant’s identity within the Russian atmospheric black metal scene.
The mid‑2010s saw the project engaging in several splits, including Reflection of Death (2015) and The Black Days of the Darkest Past (2017), which connected Arrant with other depressive and atmospheric acts. These collaborations expanded the project’s reach and highlighted its consistency in delivering bleak, emotionally heavy material.
Arrant’s second full‑length, Minental (2018), marked a refinement of the project’s sound. The album blended icy tremolo riffs with ambient interludes and a more structured approach to songwriting. Reviewers noted its balance between raw black metal intensity and atmospheric depth, describing it as one of the project’s most cohesive and mature releases.
Later singles such as Naar Himmelen Klarner (2018) and Nebula (2019) continued to explore cosmic and introspective themes, leaning further into ambient influences while maintaining the project’s cold emotional core. Despite lineup changes in the live or auxiliary roles—such as the departure of vocalist Hick and bassist Phantom—Arrant has remained firmly centered on Neon’s solitary creative vision.
Today, Arrant stands as a consistent and respected presence in the Russian atmospheric black metal underground, known for its melancholic soundscapes, emotional austerity, and dedication to atmospheric expression.
Current member
Past members