Thelema

Formed in Modena in 1984 by Massimo 'Stuart' Mantovani (vocals, guitar), Giorgio Parmigiani (bass) and Gregorio Bardini (keyboards). Early work and 1986 debut Tantra are considered important in Italian dark music. The band split in 1989, reformed in 1993 and released albums through 2016 including 231.

Influences and style: classic English post‑punk and dark wave (Joy Division, Sisters Of Mercy, Bauhaus), occasional neo‑folk tendencies (mentioned fondness for Death In June), thematic interest in esoteric/occult material (Aleister Crowley). Key albums mentioned in reviews: Tantra (1986), The Vision And The Voice (1994), Night Of Pan (1997), Burnt Memories (2006), 231 (2016).

Thelema are an Italian post‑punk/dark wave group formed in Modena in 1984. Their debut Tantra (1986) is described as a cornerstone of Italian dark music. 231 (2016) is reviewed here as a strong return, mixing post‑punk, dark wave and neo‑folk moments.

For:Fans of post‑punk, dark wave, neo‑folk and Italian underground/gothic music.