mementomori

 "Runa is the place where that identity is fully and perfectly realized, finally freeing itself from the genre’s clichés."

 "If the artist’s career is a Search and 'Runa' is the album of Search par excellence, this 'Weirdstaves' is the track of Search cubed!"

Ian Read's 1996 album 'Runa' represents his artistic pinnacle, a complex and introspective work deeply rooted in ancient runic symbolism. Departing from his usual folk/acoustic style, it embraces ethereal keyboards and martial percussion to create a cerebral and emotive soundscape. Minimalist vocals and layered instrumentation make this an elusive yet rewarding listening experience. 'Weirdstaves' stands out as a centerpiece, encapsulating the album’s spiritual and thoughtful journey. Dive into Ian Read’s 'Runa' and uncover the depths of this mystical, intense musical journey today.

 "The music of Fire + Ice is spontaneous music and without too many frills, music that springs directly from the heart."

 "If you love apocalyptic folk and are not a perfectionism enthusiast, this is an indispensable piece that you must add without hesitation to your dark collection."

‘Gilded By The Sun’ is Fire + Ice’s 1992 debut album, showcasing Ian Read’s deep roots in apocalyptic folk enhanced by pagan and mythological themes. The album features three distinct stylistic currents: timeless folk ballads, dark ritualistic tracks, and more accessible dark-wave influenced pieces. While production is rough and Read’s vocal slips may divide listeners, the album contains standout tracks like ‘Long Lankin’ and ‘Blood on the Snow’ that have become classics. A vital listen for fans of the genre despite some imperfections. Explore the mystical sounds of 'Gilded By The Sun' and dive into the rich world of apocalyptic folk with Fire + Ice today!

 "My fate is inscribed on a blade of a knife," reflecting the album’s central theme of an unyielding response to a world hurtling toward the abyss.

 "With tears in my eyes, I can only urge you to listen to the piece, one of the most beautiful things that have ever touched my ears!"

The Blade, released in 1997 by Sol Invictus, delves deeply into themes of mortality and despair, expressed through haunting apocalyptic folk music. Tony Wakeford's work remains intense and uncompromising, blending epic and tragic tones. While some tracks falter, the album boasts compelling moments enriched by instrumental mastery and evocative atmospheres. The second half stands out with powerful tracks like "See How We Fall" and "From the Wreckage." A must-listen for apocalyptic folk enthusiasts. Discover the haunting depths of Sol Invictus' 'The Blade'—listen now and immerse yourself in one of apocalyptic folk's most intense works.

 "In a Garden Green thus comes to represent the formal perfection of Sol Invictus, the place where all the pieces finally find a happy placement and where a long-sought harmony is achieved."

 "It shows us an unedited side of Wakeford, it seems to constitute a truce, a need for humanity, a crack in the cynical and disenchanted world that has always animates the artist’s poetics."

This review praises 'In A Garden Green' as a standout album in Sol Invictus' discography, highlighting its melancholic and nostalgic tone. The collaboration with talented musicians elevates the sound, creating a rich, intimate journey. Tony Wakeford’s restrained presence allows the music’s emotional depth to resonate. The album is recommended for fans of dark, gothic, and dreamlike music. Dive into the melancholic beauty of Sol Invictus’ 'In A Garden Green' and experience a unique journey of dark folk and haunting melodies.

 "Four out of eight tracks will remain indestructible classics of the Sol Invictus repertoire."

 "A solitary, desperate, and hopeless struggle of a man against the overwhelming and invincible forces of a corrupt and petty society."

‘Sol Veritas Lux’ compiles Sol Invictus's rare early recordings, highlighting Tony Wakeford's unique vision in apocalyptic folk. The EP 'Against the Modern World' offers seminal works, while the live set 'In the Jaws of the Serpent' provides historical context despite technical flaws. This release is essential for fans appreciating the origins and themes of decay, solitude, and existential struggle in Wakeford's music. Explore the origins of apocalyptic folk with Sol Invictus's 'Sol Veritas Lux'—listen now and experience these timeless classics.

 "Swastikas for Goddy has earned the status of a true classic of apocalyptic folk."

 "It is a half-baked work, full of madness, surreal attitude, and insane irony, but with moments of brilliance and historical value."

Swastikas For Goddy is a seminal apocalyptic folk album by Current 93, marking David Tibet's first folk experiment. Featuring notable collaborators like Douglas Pearce, the album blends folk tradition with industrial influences. While it contains iconic tracks and a raw spontaneity, the album also feels uneven and unfinished. Fans might prefer the refined follow-up but should not overlook this important release. Discover the roots of apocalyptic folk—listen to Current 93's 'Swastikas For Goddy' and explore its raw, iconic sound!

 "Sleep Has His House is a powerful, intense experience, perhaps unique in the history of music."

 "Anyone with imagination, patience, and willingness to embark on such a journey will not be disappointed."

Sleep Has His House by Current 93 is an intense and introspective album born from David Tibet's grief over his father's death. The album blends refined folk music with esoteric and spiritual themes, delivering a deeply emotional and mystical journey. Its sparse arrangements and poetic lyrics create a powerful, though challenging, listening experience. The work stands as a profound tribute, emphasizing universality in personal sorrow and mystical transcendence. Dive into the mystical and profound world of Current 93’s Sleep Has His House—listen now and experience its emotional power.

 "Island is a tribute to the charm, mystery, and beauty of Iceland and its unique landscapes."

 "Anyway, People Die is the emotional peak of the work, reviving the dark intensity of earlier pieces."

Current 93's 1991 album Island is an unconventional yet inspired work, blending ambient, new age, and electronic music with evocative Icelandic influences. The collaboration with Hilmar Orn Hilmarsson brings a cinematic, dreamy atmosphere, enriched by guest vocals from Bjork and Rose McDowall. Despite a few quirky tracks that deviate from the main tone, Island remains an evocative emotional journey and a notable highlight in David Tibet's artistic career. Explore the visionary sounds of Current 93's Island and dive into a unique Icelandic musical journey today!

 The change is so radical and sudden that it cannot be defined as a true stylistic evolution; it is rather a clean break with the past.

 Ulver succeeds in the feat of crafting a unique album, revolutionary for metal, and has nothing to envy from dark industrial masters like Coil or Das Ich.

Ulver’s 1999 album marks a bold departure from their black metal roots toward an avant-garde, electronic-infused sound inspired by William Blake’s poetry. The lineup changes and perfect production support this complex, theatrical journey. Mixing gothic atmospheres with industrial beats, the album redefines metal’s boundaries while maintaining links to its past. Despite its challenging length, the album is praised for originality and conceptual depth. Explore Ulver’s groundbreaking masterpiece and experience their revolutionary blend of metal, electronics, and classic poetry today!

 A Deeper Kind of Slumber is a veritable dreamlike journey, an emotional continuum capable of estranging the listener and leading them beyond the tenuous boundaries of consciousness.

 With this album, Edlund reaches his peak as an author, composer, and free artist unbound by any schemes.

The review highlights Tiamat's 1997 album 'A Deeper Kind of Slumber' as a bold departure from their metal roots into a refined, intimate blend of psychedelia, electronic, and dark wave influences. Johan Edlund’s visionary songwriting leads the band into an emotionally rich, dreamlike soundscape distinct from their earlier gothic and extreme metal works. The album is praised for its artistic innovation, emotional depth, and seamless track transitions, marking it as a high point in Tiamat's career and a pioneering work in redefining genre boundaries. Dive into Tiamat’s mesmerizing journey and experience the dreamlike depths of 'A Deeper Kind of Slumber' today.