Antonello Cresti
Come To The Sabbat

Come to the Sabbat by Antonello Cresti is a work in the vein of Lucifer Over London" (also by the same author): here the influence of the esoteric and occult cultural heritage of Great Britain on the underground music scene is analyzed in even greater depth.

The book, published by Tsunami edizioni, is a true journey into the "magical" tradition of the land of Albion and, starting from the dark pagan cults of the pre-Christian era, examines the persistence and evolution, through the various epochs, of an attitude towards the mysterious that still characterizes this land today. Two of the most prolific eras discussed in this sense are the Elizabethan and Victorian ages. The former is characterized by a true "renaissance" of spiritualism after a period of darkness. The symbol of this period is the occultist John Dee, magician and advisor to Queen Elizabeth, but "magical" themes are also found in Shakespeare and visionary poets like William Blake. The Victorian era, on the other hand, is distinguished by a revival of occult doctrines, which reaches its peak in the well-known "esoteric order" of the Golden Dawn, an association joined by many writers of the time. Among the many, the name of the Welsh writer Arthur Machen, master of decadent horror fiction who suggested, in his writings, the existence of a reality hidden beneath the veil of everyday life, is highlighted. Great attention is then given to the figure of the famous magician Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), whose influence can be seen in many figures of the rock music world, including the Beatles and Led Zeppelin, and later in historic names of esoteric industrial like the early Current 93 and Coil. Another important figure discussed is the occultist Kenneth Grant (1924-2011), who was Crowley's secretary and can indeed be considered his heir. Grant was the author of interesting studies that related Crowley's doctrine to the work of H.P. Lovecraft. The examination of the chapters dedicated to music highlights how the influence of Britain's magical tradition underpins fundamental musical experiences like that of the folk-revival, which began at the end of the 1960s thanks to groups like the Incredible String Band: its members were indeed strongly interested in the Celtic revival and Druidism. What emerges, in the analysis of the subsequent musical developments, is the existence of a red thread connecting the groups of the '70s acid-folk scene (including the already mentioned Incredible String Band, COB, and Comus) to the current so-called neo-folk, represented by names like Current 93, Death in June, Fire + Ice, and Sol Invictus. Particularly interesting is the exploration of the dark-ambient scene and in particular names like Zoviet France and Endvra, a group capable of incorporating ritual elements and occultism into their fascinating music.

Each chapter of the book is supplemented with detailed interviews with charismatic musicians including Roger Wootton of Comus, Tony Wakeford of Sol Invictus, Douglas P. of Death In June, and Robin Storey of Zoviet France/Rapoon; there are also discussions with philosophers - an interesting interview with Alain de Benoist who speaks about paganism - and with scholars of esotericism and magic who help to highlight and investigate the topics discussed. The book is also accompanied by splendid photographs capturing the enchanting and mysterious "places" of Great Britain. Noteworthy are also the insights in the final section, which deal with Druidism and Wicca (a modern form of witchcraft).

Come to the Sabbat is ultimately a fine book that does not limit itself to a sterile analysis of names but conducts a detailed investigation into the dark side of British culture in all its multiple aspects. It is therefore a recommended text, a sort of bible for all those who wish to thoroughly explore an undoubtedly fascinating subject and discover the secrets of this land's dark heart.

Antonello Cresti "Come to the Sabbat" – The sounds and ideas of esoteric Britain – 383 pages – Tsunami edizioni – 22 Euro -