Who are we?
Founded by brothers Cristian and Diuly Lovatto, Arkonnan is a symphonic progressive metal band characterized by lyrical vocals and influences from Celtic and medieval music. Their lyrics tell fantastical stories inspired by the Tales and Fables of Arkonnan, compiled in the Secret Anthology *Legend of Faunus*, written by Mr. Faunus.
The epic anthology Legend of Faunus, which recounts the legendary tales of Arkonnan, tells the story of a remote lineage of Fauns, in which the last of his generation begins to unravel the forgotten history of his ancestors, leading him on a fantastical journey that traces back to the ancient County of Faunus, in the heart of the lands of Faliand, beneath the rising sun of the lofty Citadel of the Mages.
Arkonnan combines the characteristics and epic atmosphere of symphonic metal—marked by symphonic elements, orchestral arrangements, lyrical vocals, and lyrics that explore mythological and fantastical themes—with the technical prowess and complex musical structure of progressive metal, resulting in a grandiose artistic production.
Throughout its history, Arkonnan has developed a unique stage show for its live performances. Going beyond its deep musical roots, the band maintains a strong connection to the diversity of the performing arts. By integrating musical, theatrical, and literary elements, the musicians create an immersive atmosphere, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for the audience.
In the mysterious, frozen lands of Arkonnan, a hidden energy stirs, creeping through the hills and cliffs on a perilous journey from which there is no turning back...
“At the break of dawn, where majestic dreams take flight, a call within his spirit marks the beginning of the wizard’s long journey.” Theme of the band’s first composition, titled “Legendary Flame.”
Composer Cristian Lovatto’s first encounter with the art that inspired him came through a German brother, a native of Karlsruhe, who built pipe organs and barrel organs. The organist introduced him to the vastness of classical music, particularly the Baroque period, with the toccatas and fugues of Johann Sebastian Bach, as well as his famous fantasies, concertos, and sacred cantatas. This musical universe, full of beauty and depth, has been a constant source of inspiration ever since, leaving a lasting mark on his artistic career.
“Immersed in nature, I connect with my deepest self. It is from nature that all inspiration is born and every melody etched onto the staff.”
The inspiration for writing Arkonnan’s lyrics and music comes from his admiration for fantasy literature, classical music, Celtic and medieval songs, music from the Far East, and Gothic art (12th–14th centuries). It is in nature that the composer seeks each melody and every word written in the verses of the songs. This is the driving force behind the band’s atmosphere and soundscape.
Over time, the musician became fascinated by orchestral arrangements and lyrical vocals, as well as their application in symphonic progressive metal and its subgenres. Along the way, he developed an ever-growing interest in stringed instruments, such as the acoustic guitar, the electric guitar, and, above all, the double bass, the latter sparking an exceptional passion within him throughout his performing career. As Arkonnan’s official bassist, he was able to develop and refine his technical skills in Progressive Metal and fully express his musical identity within the band.
Ever since childhood, Diuly Lovatto, a lyric soprano, had dreamed of becoming a singer. Her first musical notes rang out in church, where the young Diuly, with an acoustic guitar in hand, sang and played hymns in the youth group she attended. It was Sister Eliane who, with patience and affection, guided her along the paths of music, planting the seeds of a talent that would blossom.
At age 13, fate had an epic moment in store for her: upon hearing the voice of singer Tarja Turunen for the first time on the album “Oceanborn,” brought home by her brother, Diuly felt her heart vibrate in harmony with the classical singing. In that instant, a passion took hold of her soul, and she decided that her musical journey would be guided by lyric singing.
When she joined the band Arkonnan, singer Diuly set out to perfect her vocal skills, finding in her first singing teacher a mentor who inspired her to pursue a degree in the art she loved so much.
Since the age of 16, Diuly has sung in various choirs, where she was enchanted by the magic of polyphony, the richness of vocal dynamics, the depth of sound, and the art of interpretation. These elements became her enduring passions.
During her musical journey in college, Diuly became captivated by the harmony of instruments such as the piano, harpsichord, and pipe organ. This fascination later led her to become the keyboardist for Arkonnan.
Throughout her journey, her talent for singing set her apart, and Diuly was invited by several choirs to serve as a vocal coach and singing teacher. Since then, her training has become an ongoing and constant process, as she has immersed herself in the study of voice science. Her mission became to transform and position her students’ voices in the world, sharing with them the same passion and dedication that has always guided her own path.
The singer also devotes herself passionately to opera recitals. In the winter of 2007, even before entering college, she took the opera stage for the first time as a special guest of the local university’s voice class. That moment marked the beginning of her career, participating in solo recitals and concerts with her hometown’s symphony orchestra. The soprano made her operatic debut playing the role of Pamina in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte,” enchanting everyone with her heavenly voice and captivating presence. Since then, her singing performances have become a spectacle of pure art and emotion, as reported by the audience that follows her at the end of her performances.
“Being a storyteller through song allows me to connect the air and the soul, conveying every emotion. The essence I seek as a singer is to help the audience experience every moment, every poetic scene, as if they were present and part of these stories, offering them something they couldn’t experience anywhere else. For me, singing is where everything makes sense; it’s where I connect with my core and can express my truth, establishing a deep connection with the audience.”
The creative essence that gave rise to the Arkonnan universe stems from the deep synergy rooted in the bond between the brothers. This powerful creative connection, combined with their intense artistic experiences and the diverse influences each brings to the table, provided the necessary impetus for the creation of a unique musical style, leading them to a distinctive sound rich in sonic elements and immersive atmospheres.
This entire experimental journey led them to find their own sound and to consolidate a unique sonic identity within the Symphonic Progressive Metal scene, as an authentic expression of their artistic visions and passions.
Arkonnan’s musical journey took on a new dimension with the addition of progressive metal drummer Darlan Batista. His presence has brought energy to the band’s performances and contributed to its cohesion, showcasing technical mastery and precision in executing progressive drum patterns. With precision and consistency, Darlan imbues the compositions with a distinct identity, adding dynamism and intensity to the arrangements.
Throughout his tenure, his musicality has organically integrated into the band’s identity, adding strength and precision to the ensemble. In addition to his role as a drummer, Darlan also excels as a percussionist, incorporating rhythmic elements and vibrant drums that enrich Arkonnan’s Celtic sound and expand its expressive character. His approach helps sustain and enhance the band’s compositions, reinforcing the sonic cohesion and unique atmosphere that define the group.
His artistry not only sustains the rhythm but also expands Arkonnan’s sound, forging paths where technique and expression align in perfect harmony.
Currently, the Arkonnan trio has created a musical show titled “Em Terras Celtas”, which brings to the stage the richness of Celtic melodies and songs – from lyrical vocals to the vigorous rhythms of the drums – evoking the ethereal sounds of nature.
The show is currently on stage and features a repertoire of Celtic folk songs with an epic atmosphere in its set design and staging, including special versions of the band’s compositions inspired by the Tales and Fables of Arkonnan, from the Secret Anthology Legend of Faunus, authored by the writer Mr. Faunus.
“Every movement of nature carries a sound: the infectious melodies of flutes and bagpipes, the sound of the mountains and howling winds, the birdsong at dawn. Every element of nature contributes its own note to life on Earth, and every breath of the spirit moves the pen that writes its notes on the staff. With *Em Terras Celtas*, the band drew inspiration from the desire to transport the audience from the hustle and bustle of the contemporary world - with its rapid, cold cycles - to a state of deep reflection, immersed in the enchanting sounds of nature, from the crashing of the waves to the gentle rustling of leaves, into the imaginary world of their musical tales.”
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