Spotlight on Pagan Music

A weekly feature highlighting the best music from Pagan, Pagan – influenced, and occult artists. You can hear many of these artists on my weekly radio show and podcast, or you can check out the annual “Darker Shade of Pagan” music special available for download online.

THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK

The Soil Bleeds Black

Band Bio:
Envision a journey through ancient times of medieval life and legend. The Soil Bleeds Black explore the traditions and customs of medieval Europe with the ambition of drawing the listener into a world of the ancient past. To listen is to immerse oneself in Middle Age atmospheres and customs. One may visit the valor of knights on the battefield, savor the simplicity of common peasant life, explore the laboratory of the magician, or seek the romance of lovers, musicians, and poets. All intriguing lifestyles are given attention within the musical expressions of TSBB.

TSBB web site.
TSBB MySpace page.

Song download:
“Iste Mundus” (Mp3 file)
“A Song For Thy Lady” (Mp3 file)
“Luna Begets Mercury” (Mp3 file)

A page of TSBB song clips for download.

Reviews:
“There are very few who can conjure up Medieval images such as this project can. Though not a lot of this music seems to be played these days, there are always those traditionalists who keep the fires burning. And with this lineup we can be glad it will burn for many years to come and live on long after we’re all dead and buried.” – Legends Magazine

“Fears that this evocatively-named neo-mediaeval trio might be wavering in their commitment to neo-mediaevalism have been dispelled by their latest album which is their most neo-mediaeval to date, and features a variety of material and approaches with the emphasis on the ‘neo’…TSBB obviously have great fun recording this stuff, and you should have equal fun listening to it.” – FluxEuropa

“The Soil Bleeds Black, in many ways reflects medieval music, but the image it returns is less like that seen in a mirror than of that found in a secluded lake-filled with hidden depths and strange distortions. Whether an original piece or an adaptation of an age-old tune, all the tunes are recognizable as medieval, but with a shadowy undercurrent that sets it apart from typical neo-medieval music. This gothic twist should delight those with darker sensibilities, but even those more used to lighter fare should appreciate this fascinating collection. “ – Renaissance Magazine

My Two Cents:
Considering that I recently profiled TSBB side-project Hexentanz, I figured it was time I focused my attention on one of the bands who helped conceive the project. The Soil Bleeds Black are on the forefront of “neo-medieval” music, and have not only released a string of great (strange, dark) albums but have grown the entire scene in the process. The band is involved in several side-projects and run their own label known for its quality music and stunning graphic design. As for the music? If I may quote myself, they “immerse you into a sonically rich tapestry that is both archaic and timeless.” That about sums it up.

Further Reading:
Interview with The Soil Bleeds Black.

Tags: Paganism