4.18.2007
Great New Pagan Music
In addition to this Pagan blog, I'm also a passionate advocate of music created by and for modern Pagans, Heathens, and other fellow travelers. Beyond the pagan-influenced dabbling of artists like Tori Amos and Bjork, there lies a rich underground of musical options for the polytheisticly-inclined. 2007 has been shaping up to be a great year for Pagan music and I thought I would share some recent notable releases.
Faun - "Totem"Released: March 2007 USA/Europe
Building on the strength of their 2005 release "Renaissance", this proudly Pagan band from Germany melds traditional folk elements with atmospheric electronics to create something truly magical. "Totem" is perhaps their most consistent effort yet, with the interweaving male and female vocals, and solid tribal drumming finding a near-perfect balance. Standout tracks include the energetic opening song "Rad" and the near symphonic qualities of "Zeit nach dem Sturm". You can hear and download samples from the new CD at their MySpace page.
The Moon & The Nightspirit - "Rego Rejtem"Released: April 2007 Europe/World
The Moon and the Nightspirit is a talented new duo from Hungary. They released an admirable but uneven CD entitled "Of Dreams Forgotten and Fables Untold" in 2005. Back then I wished they would sing more songs in their native tongue and inject some more energy into their music. It seems that all my wishes were granted because on "Rego Rejtem" (which means "I with conjure magic" in Hungarian) Agnes Toth and Mihaly Szabo de-emphasize ethereal electronics and concentrate on the music and folklore of their native land to create a breathtakingly amazing release. You can listen to samples of the new album at their MySpace page, or you can download the title track, here.
Daemonia Nymphe - "Krataia Asterope"Released: April 2007 Europe/World
This band is a revelation. To quote their own description they are "musicians who compose music based on the aesthetic and theoretical border of Ancient Hellenic Music", and true to form they create new music using ancient concepts, structures, and instruments. These Greek musicians and singers are creating exciting music for celebration and liturgy. But they aren't mere archivists or anachronists, they bring a modern passion to what they do that is palpable. Check out samples from the new CD, here (also be sure to check out their Myspace page).
Ataraxia - "Kremasta Nera"Released: April 2007 Europe/World
It is difficult to summarize Ataraxia. This Italian darkwave band is fronted by the enigmatic Francesca Nicoli, who has a voice that will either transfix you or drive you mad (or perhaps both). Much of their work concerns the mythical and the legendary, and this new release is no exception. "Kremasta Nera" is a song cycle that explores a Gravesian vision of the White Goddess and nine initiation rituals that take place on the island of Samothrace. It truly has to be sampled to be judged, so I point you to the lyrics for the project, a web presentation, and sound samples.
Monica Richards - "InfraWarrior"Released: Nov. '06 Europe / May '07 USA
While technically not a Pagan (though there is some debate on the issue), Monica Richards (half of the goth band Faith and The Muse) has had Pagan admirers for some time now. Perhaps that interaction has had some effect because "InfraWarrior" is a deeply pagan album. A forceful declaration and exploration of eco-spirituality, female empowerment, and mythic themes. A mix of dance-floor ready anthems and mediative nearly spoken-word pieces that literally floors you with the clearness and quality of its vision. Highly recommended. Check out Monica Richard's MySpace page for sound samples.
These are only some of the amazing bands in Europe and America that are redefining modern Pagan music for a new era. If all goes well I'll try to make this a semi-regular feature as more new releases come my way. As always, for more music like this, please check out my weekly podcast (which is also aired on the Pagan Radio Network).
Labels: A Darker Shade of Pagan, Ataraxia, Daemonia Nymphe, Faun, Monica Richards, music, The Moon and The Nightspirit
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