A CHALLENGE OF HONOUR - 'Ashigaru Revealed' CD (Eternal Pride Productions)
(2008) The warrior's way means death. When there are two ways to choose, choose the one that leads to death. Direct your thoughts to the way you’d prefer, and follow. The latest work from one of the most prominent and outstanding Martial / Neoclassical European projects is a continuation of the musical odyssey which began with the "Ashigaru" boxset (Steinklang, 2005) and is dedicated to the warrior traditions of medieval Japan. A graceful and epic cocktail of atmospheric neoclassical passages, Japanese drums and rhythms. The album is released in an appealing digipak, with a design in the classical Japanese style.
UK 10.50£
Europe 11.50£
World 12.50£
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ABNOCTO - 'Simon Magus' CD (Waerloga)
(2007) This is mainly occult-inspired instrumental music - sacral with hints of great dark temple halls, demons, mystical rites and churches. Instruments like piano, farfisa organ, dark ritualistic drums, harps and various string instruments were used and this sound will appeal to followers of Arcana and the medieval / neo-symphonic genres. Abnocto is Simon Kölle (Musterion, Za Frûmi) and Simon Heath (Atrium Carceri, Za Frûmi). Recorded 60 meters below the centre of Stockholm in a long forgotten chamber among the tunnels.
(1998( A Belgian group produced by Tony Wakeford (Sol Invictus). Strong female vocals in French, a folksy acoustic medieval style, haunting ethereal melodies, weaving strings, and a busy acoustic guitar all characterise Algiz's debut (and to date only) release. There’s a lovely Eastern European feel to the album that suggests twirling gypsy dancers, dark eyes and tambourines, cavorting around a campfire on full moon nights. Includes a cover of Death in June's "Fall Apart."
UK 11£
Europe 12£
World 13£
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ATARAXIA - 'La Malediction d'Ondine' CD (Twilight Records)
(2007) Reissue of the excellent album from Italian medieval act Ataraxia. 'La Malediction d'Ondine' (originally released by Energeia in 1995), takes its inspiration from Greek mythology. The Ondine were water nymphs, both women and Goddesses, who would drown their victims in the whirlpool of their pain and death. The Ondine could love passionately, just like women, with all the sublime burden of their primordial instinct. 'La malédiction d' Ondine' is also the curse known as sleep apnoea - if the dreamer doesn't wake in time, they will awake somewhere else, anchored to the seaweeds braids of a deep sea or stranded on a beach... Presented with new artwork in a nice digipak.
ATARAXIA / AUTUNNA ET SA ROSE - 'Odos Eis Ouranon - La Via Verso Il Cielo' 2 x CD (Equilibrium Music)
(2005) Following a live performance at the church of St. Michele in Rovigo, Italian artists Ataraxia and Autunna Et Sa Rose release the songs especially arranged for this occasion onto CD, with one disc apiece. Autunna Et Sa Rose use some material from their first 3 albums, as well as interpretations of tracks by Ataraxia and Tuxedo Moon. Ataraxia rearranged a collection of their finest tracks in an entirely acoustic format, revisiting them in a warmer and more intimate form - as well as two previously unreleased songs and material never before issued on CD. Dramatic Neoclassical music, with heavenly voices, ballads and ethereal / medieval touches. Released in a deluxe double digipak with very nice booklets full of artwork, photos and lyrics. Ltd x 2000.
BLAKAGIR - 'Carpathian Art Of Sin' CD (Pulverised Records)
(2007) BLAKAGIR is the epic Medieval / Neoclassical war music solo project of L.O.N.. Anyone that has heard of his main project Hellveto's Pagan Black Metal masterwork, "In The Arms Of Kurpian Phantom", will want to pick this up immediately, since the similarities are certainly there. However the difference is that Blakagir is not Metal but epic synthesized Neoclassical hymns, similar to Gae Bolg or Puissance. As with their previous release, "Nostalgia", don't let the 'Metal' artwork fool you! Presented in a sumptuous glossy 8-panel digipak. Very nice piece! Singapore import.
UK 10.50£
Europe 11.50£
World 12.50£
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BLOOD AXIS - 'The Gospel Of Inhumanity' CD (Storm)
(2001) The debut album from Blood Axis and an absolute milestone in military-verged Neoclassical music! A blend of martial industrial rhythms, classical parts with traditional instruments (almost medieval in places) and the strong voice of Michael Moynihan. Contains the definitive version of 'Reign I Forever' - absolutely essential! 2001 edition in digipak with booklet.
UK 11£
Europe 12£
World 13£
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CONCRESCENCE - 'Obscured By The Dark Years' CD (Ahnstern / Steinklang)
(2006) Concrescence includes all today’s most wanted music styles: beautiful Folk-ballads, sometimes with a strong medieval touch, Martial drums and trumpets, Neoclassical hymns and heartbreaking pagan lyrics, sung by perfect female and male voices. Concrescence is a collection of early, unreleased and lost songs from the archive of ‘The Thieves Of Impressions’. Maybe only the elders amongst you will remember this most beautiful Dark-Folk band from the early 90’s, lead by Ales Pickar, who was one of the 2 founders of the cult-label Ant-Zen. All recordings on Concrescence were made in 1994/95.
DEAD CAN DANCE - 'Wake: The Best Of Dead Can Dance' 2 x CD (4AD)
(2003) A condensed compilation of highlights chosen by Brendan Perry from DCD's completely sold out limited edition box set (4AD, 2001). The compilation spans Dead Can Dance's entire career, including the last track that Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry completed as a band: "The Lotus Eaters". A timeless mix of world music influences, medieval chants, folk ballads, baroque styling, Celtic flavours, electronics, samples and anything else that took their fancy. This is an essential collection for beginners, completists and aficionados. An amazing journey through 26 of the very best tracks from DCD! Simply wonderful and timeless.
UK 13£
Europe 14£
World 15£
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DRONOLAN'S TOWER - 'Legends Of Kitholan: Vol 1: Tales Of The Long Forgotten' CD (Dronolan's Tower Music)
(2007) 64 minutes of full-blown orchestral, medieval, Fantasy Adventure music, recorded with a professional Hollywood orchestra! Epic quests, glorious battles, and mysterious ruins await the listener, as do moments of serene pastoral beauty and medieval pageantry. A must-have for fans of the music which accompanies the Medieval Fantasy film / game genres. If you loved the score to Lord Of The Rings, you'll adore this! Stunning production, as to be expected. Highly recommended!
DRUDKH - 'Songs Of Grief And Solitude' CD (Supernal)
(2006) This 5th attack ventures into acoustic territory, offering ancient, sorrowful, Ukrainian folk songs, based on legends, traditional songs and fairy tales. Their radical, conservative revolutionary ideas here establish a dynamic counterpoint with the serene, earthy, primitivist atmosphere of the music. The unusual booklet comes adorned with old illustrations of Medieval / fantasy folk tales and traditional, Ukrainian decorative motifs. A truly unique item, different from their other albums, yet wholly consistent with the conception of this stellar band.
UK 10£
Europe 11£
World 12£
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ELISABETHA - 'Uber Das Prinzip Der Unschuld' CD (Beverina)
(2007) 14th release of this Austrian act. "Is there a desire to live a life after you awoke? Do you wish to flee? Are you strong enough to be your dream? Are you ready to give up what you think is reality? Can you leave behind your faith and to focus the light of your eyes on perception. You must be willing to learn to live again and to bear the pain of thousands of aeons. Pain will be a friend on your side. You will bring death to your loved ones and this will be the sin of your love." 80 minutes of Neoclassical, Martial and Ambient music with medieval elements. Limited to 500 copies in an elegant gold digipak. Very reminiscent of Von Thronstahl and Blood Axis in places.
(2003) Belgian act Encryption return with an enchanting ethereal and Dark Ambient album, filled with heavenly female vocals. The Legend of the secret society of Ordo Libidis put to music. A dark tale from the times of burning witches during the Inquisition, rituals, the Occult and magick. Those into Arcana, early Mortiis or yet darker ambient atmospheres, with a touch of medieval music and a slight addition of neo-classical ingredients, can't go wrong with this CD. Presented in a nice digipak.
(2005) The first official DVD from Belgian ethereal / dark ambient / medieval act Encryption features good quality live versions of songs from the album ‘Nosferamor’, but also some older tracks performed on stage. The DVD also includes two professionally made video clips for the tracks ‘Requiem’ and ‘Dominus Dea’, various bonus material (including the making of the videos and behind the curtain footage) and galleries!
PAL, Region 0 (will play in all European DVD players).
UK 14£
Europe 15£
World 16£
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ENDVRA - 'Black Eden' CD (Red Stream)
(2005) Reissue of the long deleted classic, originally released in 1996. Endvra are electronic soundscape alchemists Christopher Walton (TenHornedBeast) and Stephen Pennick (Ontario Blue), combining synths with (un)healthy doses of Crowley, Lovecraft and psychedelic chemical enhancement. Nothing in the Dark Ambient category has ever emerged to dethrone this work of sinister aural mystery. "Black Eden" is a HP Lovecraft tale set to music: medieval devil worship and sabbat dancing invoking preternatural beasts which inhabit the realm of Cthulhu and are spoken of in the fabled "Necronomicon". A truly horrifying masterpiece. "Gold Edition".
UK 11£
Europe 12£
World 13£
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EONA - 'Groyantes Eternelles' CD (Morningside Records)
(2006) This fine release by French act Eönä, presented on the new subdivision of Drama Company, provides the listener with a medieval / folk experience. Flute tunes are accompanied by singing birds, folkish guitars are paired with medieval voices, and lazy toms set the tempo by the campfire. For fans of Ataraxia, Trobar De Morte, Hekate etc. Comes in a nice digipak with woodland artwork.
UK 11£
Europe 12£
World 13£
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FORMS OF THINGS UNKNOWN - 'Cross Purposes' CD (Panaxis)
(2003) The debut of Forms Of Things Unknown is a five-track, 30-minute EP of music ranging from dark ambient dirge to medieval sacred song to jazz-inflected art rock. Forms Of Things Unknown is the delinquent brainchild of San Francisco multi-instrumentalist Ferrara Brain Pan. His musical career includes early collaborations with noise music pioneer Boyd Rice (NON), and a fortuitous uncredited appearance on 1994's 'Rien' by Krautrock legends Faust (produced by Jim O’Rourke). 'Cross Purposes' was mixed and produced from material played entirely by Ferrara Brain Pan, excepting vocal performances by Bob Ayres and Shannon Wolfe and a cameo guest appearance by 'Babs Santini' aka Steven Stapleton of renowned musical subversives Nurse With Wound.
UK 5£
Europe 6£
World 7£
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HEKATE - 'Goddess (Luxus Edition)' 2 x CD (Auerbach Tontrager)
(2004) 11 tracks mainly inspired by European myths and legends. There's the legend of Europa, based on Cretan and Mycenaean traditions, the bull dance from Minoan culture, Spanish history and the cultural influences of the Moors. The album continues with the German myth of Barbarossa and the Kyffhaeuser, the Grail legend involving the Cathars of Castle Montségur in France, and the wonderful legend of Morgan le Fay, the "Lady of the Lake", symbolizing the Old Way in Celtic myth. Music-wise, they create a successful mixture of classic Folk, medieval melodies, and modern elements, all linked by the drum-parts ranging from magic-ritualistic to classical-orchestral and trance-electronic. The rhythms and the vocals of Susanne Grosche and Axel Menz are the main feature of this mature album recorded with an array of diverse instruments. Lavish deluxe digipak Luxus Edition including a bonus CD featuring remixed versions of various Hekate tracks from Arcana, Beam Team, Chorea Minor, Flatline, Gae Bolg and the Church Of Fand, La Nef Des Fous, Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio and Sieben.
UK 17.00£
Europe 18.50£
World 20.00£
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IN GOWAN RING - 'The Twin Trees' CD (Shayo)
(2006) From medieval to renaissance, from Nick Drake to a later, quieter Current 93, this is In Gowan Ring's second album, originally released in 1997 (World Serpent), now entirely re-worked with a much better design and brilliantly remastered by Denis Blackham. Additionally, the beautiful song "Still Water Bone" (which also appeared in 1997 on the 'Terra Serpentes' compilation) has been included as a bonus track! Digipak.
JANNERWEIN - 'Abendlauten' CD (Heimatfolk / Steinklang)
(2008) Jännerwein is a brilliant new Folkband from the breathtaking Salzburg countryside around the holy mount Untersberg, the myserious home of Sturmpercht. They play their very own style; a mix of old school Folkmusic and Neofolk with some Martial rhythms, Alpine-Folk and even some medieval elements. Jännerwein use many traditional alpine instruments, but they also use some electronics, creating a warm and heimish atmosphere in all their songs. Jännerwein are solemn with their ancient, sad lyrics about holy (often christian) rituals and mysteries from the central european Alps. But the feeling you get from listening to their tunes is similar to the sad songs of the Perchten. For fans of Sturmpercht! Digipak.
2007 reissue of the Mortiis classic Ånden Som Gjorde Opprør', originally released on Cold Meat Industry in 1995. As a member of Emperor, Mortiis was one of the notorious members of the fanatic Norwegian Black-metal scene. Through a natural evolution, Mortiis made his way into the Scandinavian dark-electronic scene. These lengthy pieces present a regal yet ancient mood; as if the soundtrack for ancient castles filled with forlorn kings looking out upon their lost kingdoms. Words are spoken in Norwegian, drifting into the background ambience. Mortiis at his very best, crafting dark synth-orchestral journeys into an enchanted world of medieval fantasy. Digipak with new artwork.
UK 11£
Europe 12£
World 13£
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MORTIIS - 'Keiser Av En Dimensjon Ukjent' CD (Projekt)
2007 reissue of the Mortiis classic 'Keiser Av En Dimensjon Ukjnet ("Emperor of a Dimension Unknown"), originally released on Cold Meat Industry in 1995. The Norwegian troll (founding member of notorious Black Metal act Emperor) presents 2 long tracks of medieval fantasy music, not unlike Za Frumi or a stripped down, synth version of Dronolan's Tower. The soundtrack for ancient castles filled with forlorn kings looking out upon their lost kingdoms. Mortiis' threatening Norwegian tongue drifts over dark synth-orchestral journeys into an enchanted world of medieval fantasy. Digipak with new artwork.
UK 11£
Europe 12£
World 13£
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NARSILION - 'Arcadia' CD (Caustic Records)
The long-awaited second album from one of the most outstanding bands emerging from the medieval folk / heavenly voices scene, born from the ashes of Ordo Funebris. Inspired by Arcadia, a mystical land filled with ancient woods and deep lakes dreamed by the Mother Moon's embrace, where all the winds dance close to their memories and the sunrises cry endlessly like golden tears shed in the middle of the autumnal hug... Elfin voices, powerful percussions, flutes and lots of orchestrations will take you deep inside this new dream from the hand of Narsilion. For followers of Arcana, The Moon And The Nightspirit, Trobar De Morte etc. Presented in a DVD digipak.
Born from the ashes of Ordo Funebris emerges Narsilion to drive us through those dreams that one day made us feel magic... in a world full of mysticism... where elfs, fairyes and more beautiful creatures dance to the unconcluded legends... Medieval composings and neoclasical, orchestrated with volins, mafical flutes, ethereal guitars, percussions and sweet elfic voices that will carry you far away, where time lays dead and wonderful memories write again in the pages of our lost innocence. One of the most promising bands in the Spanish medieval-folk scene. For followers of Arcana, The Moon And The Nightspirit, Trobar De Morte etc. Digipak.
Eerie, acoustic, calm Nordic ambient/folk music played on the kantele, giving the music a medieval touch. Beautiful sounds dedicated to nature and inspired by her beauty… and of legends untold. "A hidden pool amidst the woods where the otters come to play, an owl's faint call echoing through the woods, sparkling waterfalls and vast snow-covered landscapes where the reindeer folk and wolves hold their domain. These are only some of the things with the atmosphere Nest strives to capture.” Though Finnish, the music of Nest has a Celtic feel and even reminds of Clannad in places!
O QUAM TRISTIS - 'Funerailles Des Petit Enfants' CD (Palace Of Worms)
(2000) Debut from this French act. "Funérailles des Petits Enfants", provides an eclectic mix between choral chants of deeply religious / ecclesiastical content and ethnic/medieval music with an electronic edge that sets the project in a contemporary setting. Traces of Dead Can Dance pop to mind, as well as Enigma, Rosa Crvx, Opera Multi Steel, Rajna, Bel Canto or Les Sécrets de Morphée. A very original, diverse and refreshing release!
O QUAM TRISTIS - 'Le Rituel Sacre' CD (Palace Of Worms)
(2002) "Le Rituel Sacré" ("the sacred ritual") by this French act, is another modern interpretation of medieval and ancient folk music. Their medieval folk will certainly appeal to fans of Dead Can Dance, The Soil Bleeds Black, Ataraxia and similar acts. The heavenly vocals female singers Anna and Katarina combined with selected male chants in Latin will certainly evoke you. The music offers a wide range of variations, from purest folk to sometimes more electronic interferences, tribal drums, bagpipes, flutes, dulcimer and various other natural instruments.
O QUAM TRISTIS - 'Les Chants Funestes CD (Palace Of Worms)
(2008) French act O Quam Tristis have mastered their art with “Les Chants Funestes” and have delivered an eloquent fourth album of inspiring music. Female and male vocal polyphonies inspired by music going from the Middle Age down to the Baroque Era using acoustic traditional or medieval instrumentation and modern electronics in harmony, without losing the sacral and medieval character of their music. Synths and bass guitar join the electronic rhythms, contributing a rock and liturgical feeling to the compositions, based on ancient secular and liturgical poetries. Features H. Dammarie (Collection d'Arnell-Andrea, Thy Violent Vanities).
O QUAM TRISTIS - 'Meditations Ultimes' CD (Palace Of Worms)
(2005) Third album by this outstanding medieval act. ‘Meditation Ultimes" is another modern interpretation of medieval and ancient folk music. Their medieval folk will certainly appeal to fans of Dead Can Dance, Qntal, Ataraxia and similar acts. The heavenly vocals female singers Anna and Katarina combined with selected male chants in Latin are very moving. The music offers a wide range of variations, from purest folk to sometimes more electronic interferences, tribal drums, bagpipes, flutes, dulcimer and various other natural instruments.
ODA RELICTA - 'The Crown & The Plough' CD (Neuropa)
Oda Relicta is the product of one Oleg Kolyada (First Human Ferro / In Meditarium) who recorded 'The Crown & The Plough' with the aid of the Zhytomyr Military Orchestra. 'The Crown & The Plough' is a thoughtful album, overviewing the history of Oleg's motherland, the Ukraine. The album scores the clash between workmen and nobles; where the crown meets the plough! Grandiose Slavonic faithful hymns, orchestral sacred marches and utopian Neofolk nicely meld into a mysterious and refined album - in parts almost medieval / baroque. Highly recommended! Mastered by Henrik Nordvargr Björkk (MZ.412, Toroidh, Folkstorm). First pressing limited to just 300 copies - ACT FAST!
UK 11£
Europe 12£
World 13£
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REQUIEM ETERNAM - 'Medieval Times' CD (BloodDivine Records)
Swiss act Requiem Eternam was created around 2004 by Phil R. XP to express his passion for Medieval, Dramatic and Celtic music, with an overtly religious stance. "A real tribute to the Passion of the Christ and the First Christian Martyrs, portrayed through a mix of Medieval, Celtic, Orchestral and Dramatic elements, with a strange and spiritual mood". "Medieval Times" is Requiem Eternam's second release and is a real tribute to Ancient Times.
UK 9£
Europe 10£
World 11£
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RIHARC SMILES - 'The Last Green Days Of Summer' CD (Ahnstern / Steinklang)
One of the most successful releases on the Ahnstern label. ''The Last Green Days of Summer'' is an ingenious album of Medieval inspired progressive Folk perfectly recorded and produced, with a large variety of uncommon instruments fantastic male vocals. Limited to 500 numbered copies in a wooden slip-box.
***Album of the month June 2008 (Julian Cope / Head Heritage).***
RIHARC SMILES - 'The Last Green Days Of Summer' LP (Ahnstern / Steinklang)
One of the most successful releases on the Ahnstern label. ''The Last Green Days of Summer'' is an ingenious album of Medieval inspired progressive Folk perfectly recorded and produced, with a large variety of uncommon instruments fantastic male vocals. Limited to just 500 copies with full colour inlay!
***Album of the month June 2008 (Julian Cope / Head Heritage).***
RISING SHADOWS - 'Falling Deep Within' CD (Twilight Records)
Welcome to the amazing fairy world of Rising Shadows! "Falling Deep Within" is the debut album of this gifted Swedish act. A beautiful journey into the darkness of ourselves and our past. Initially a solo project of Fredrik Klingwall, vocalist Linda-li joined the band in 2004. Stylistically, comparisons could be made to Arcana and Stoa, drawing the listener into beautiful medieval dreamscapes full of nostalgia and twilight darkness. This is music for the soul and it will paint your mind images and dreams. Soon the shadows will rise again! Presented in a deluxe digipak.
SAGENTOETER - 'Prayers To Othinn' CD (Ahnstern / Steinklang)
Classical Folk album with great Medieval orientated instrumentation - Sagentoeter are members of Riharc Smiles, which guarantees a large variety of perfectly played acoustic instruments with strong and heroic lyrics that relay stories of ancient Nordic Wolfage. File next to Sturmpercht! Limited to 500 numbered copies in a wooden slip-box.
SAGENTOETER - 'Prayers To Othinn' LP (Ahnstern / Steinklang)
Classical Folk album with great Medieval orientated instrumentation - Sagentoeter are members of Riharc Smiles, which guarantees a large variety of perfectly played acoustic instruments with strong and heroic lyrics that relay stories of ancient Nordic Wolfage. File next to Sturmpercht! Limited to just 500 numbered copies with full colour inlay!
SALLY DOHERTY & THE SUMACS - 'Black Is The Colour' CD (Tiger Records)
2008 re-issue of this beautiful album, on Sally Doherty's own label. Performing some of the greatest songs of the Folk tradition and giving them totally unique and challenging new interpretations, Sally Doherty (ex-Sieben) has produced a notable album that has obvious Folk elements but also has experimental aspects too. In this, her fifth album, she explores songs from Scotland, Ireland, France, Spain and Mexico as well as a couple of her own that fit beautifully with the traditional classics. Rich atmospheric moods with early French medieval styles mixing with tracks of haunting simplicity and others of lush, dark orchestration. This digitally-remastered album comes with a bonus track and is limited to 500 copies.
(2003) The debut of Forms Of Things Unknown is a five-track, 30-minute EP of music ranging from dark ambient dirge to medieval sacred song to jazz-inflected art rock. Forms Of Things Unknown is the delinquent brainchild of San Francisco multi-instrumentalist Ferrara Brain Pan. His musical career includes early collaborations with noise music pioneer Boyd Rice (NON), and a fortuitous uncredited appearance on 1994's 'Rien' by Krautrock legends Faust (produced by Jim O’Rourke). 'Cross Purposes' was mixed and produced from material played entirely by Ferrara Brain Pan, excepting vocal performances by Bob Ayres and Shannon Wolfe and a cameo guest appearance by 'Babs Santini' aka Steven Stapleton of renowned musical subversives Nurse With Wound.
