Këkht Aräkh has long balanced ferocious, visceral black metal with delicate, introspective ballads, a dynamic that reaches new depth on Morning Star. The writing and recording process was not without its challenges: stress, anxiety, and long stretches of writer’s block shaped the music, giving it a rare vulnerability and immediacy. Dmitry recorded nearly all instruments himself, with drums contributed by Jonathan (Spira Me, Vanskapth, Olycka). Bladee appears on “Eternal martyr,” adding his vocals and co-writing lyrics — a collaboration that may seem unlikely at first, yet reveals an intuitive chemistry. That spirit of unexpected yet natural synergy extends to the rest of the album’s collaborators. VS–55 and Varg²™ helped shape the record through abstract sampling and subtle textural design, giving Morning Star its distinctive grain and analog warmth. James Ginzburg (Emptyset, Osmium) completed the final mastering, enhancing its dynamic depth and atmospheric richness.