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Rating: Hidden Among the Runes, a splendid volume dedicated to Death in June curated by the excellent Aldo Chimenti, represents a heartfelt tribute to a band that has embodied ideals in which many fans have recognized themselves over the years, always faithfully following the group, turning Death in June into a sort of cult, a last bastion against the decay of civilization.
The fact that this is the third book dedicated to Death in June, Hidden Among the Runes follows the excellent Le livre brun by J.L. Vaxelaire and Misery and Purity by Robert Forbes, demonstrates how the poetry of Douglas P. continues to shape consciences and inspire in-depth interpretations over time on his art: it is a privilege that very few bands can boast, testifying to the depth of the proposal of this historic name in apocalyptic folk.
The volume, a hefty tome of over 400 pages accompanied by an iconographic apparatus featuring splendid photographs, many of which come directly from the personal archives of Douglas P., is a sort of journey in search of the meanings of the symbolisms that permeate the work of Death in June.
A journey that starts from the dawn, from the experience with the historic punk band Crisis, extensively covered, and through various lineup changes and collaborations with artists such as David Tibet and Boyd Rice, reaches the latest incarnation of Death in June.
Numerous are the anecdotes and very interesting the statements by Pearce specifically released to the author for this book. It reveals a contrasting and highly fascinating picture, where the thought of this aesthete and warrior of the modern era stands out for the absence of compromises that always distinguish him.
Throughout the twenty-one dense chapters, one is captivated and enraptured by the richness of the cultural symbols that permeate the universe of Death in June, among which stand out the language of the runes, the dual symbolism of the rose, and the importance of the events of National Socialism as a crucial and dramatic moment in European history. In particular, the continuous references to the imagery of the National Socialist epic, as is known, have always created problems in the artistic path of Death in June, obstacles that nevertheless have not managed to undermine the integrity and purity of the project.
Aldo Chimenti's analysis of the texts is thorough and reveals all the fundamental literary influences that gave birth to the sublime poetry of Douglas P. The names of Yukio Mishima and Jean Genet thus prove decisive in constructing the imagery of this poet, the last bard that shines in the dark age we are living in.
The only criticism I can make is that the book could have benefited from more balance in the critical examination of Death in June's discography. Even though the competence of historical-cultural references and the symbolic analysis of the texts compensate for Chimenti's approach as an ardent fan.
Attached to the volume is also a CD with some historic tracks and a radio interview with Douglas P., an additional piece that completes this memorable tribute to one of the most debated and controversial bands ever. The volume is now out of print and difficult to find.
Aldo Chimenti "Death In June – Hidden Among the Runes" (Tsunami Edizioni – Gli Uragani, 2010, 415 pages + CD, €35.00)
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