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.

INKUBUS SUKKUBUS

Inkubus Sukkubus

Band Bio:
Inkubus Sukkubus formed in the summer of 1989 when Tony McKormack, Candia Ridley and Adam Henderson met at college studying graphic design. They shared an interest in paganism, witchcraft and vampirism as well as making original music from an early age, and so the type of band that was to emerge from the joining of forces was, quite naturally, an expression of this. Initially the band was called Incubus Succubus. The original aim of the band was (as it still is today) to be the vehicle in which the celebration of the Pagan experience could be conveyed.

Inkubus Sukkubus web site.
Inkubus Sukkubus MySpace page.

Song download:
(Warning, the following songs are on SoundClick and might require a login.)
“Belladonna & Aconite” (Mp3 file)
“Samhain” (Mp3 file)
“Queen of the May (live)” (Mp3 file)

Inkubus Sukkubus’ song “Witch Queen (live)” appears on the 5th annual “Darker Shade of Pagan” special available for download, here.

Reviews:
“They mix many styles into their musical alchemy: touches of folk and classical alongside more rock and gothic elements. If you could imagine Fleetwood Mac melded with Sleeping Dogs Wake with a touch of the Sisters’ grandiose orchestrations you would get pretty close to their raison d’etre. Truly they have managed to turn lead into gold with the essential elements of Candia’s distinctive voice and Tony’s memorable guitar lines.” – FluxEuropa

“Whilst there have been many bands that have pledged allegiance to the Pagan faith, few have done so with more enthusiasm (and, it might be added, more success) that the UK act Inkubus Sukkubus. Formed in 1989 by Candia, Tony and Adam, the project became a means by which they could explore and celebrate their religion. The outfit soon acquired a following in both Pagan and gothic circles (with many of their most devoted fans members of both!), keeping up an exhaustive touring schedule and even making it onto national radio.” – Eraser Online

“Inkubus Sukkubus is noted for their powerful female vocals, hard rocking guitars, and strong pagan lyrics. The music is far from the slow, melodramatic chants sometimes associated with Gothic music. “Vampyre Erotica” is filled with guitars, energy , and pounding drums. This CD is a call of the wild that sets young pagan hearts afire. Many who enjoy Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, or Christian Death will surely find this album comparable.” – In Music We Trust

My Two Cents:
This may be the band that started the modern age of Pagan music. Inkubus Sukkubus roared out of the gate making Pagan-themed songs you could pump your fist to (something pretty rare at the time). Since then the band has done what it does best, make rock records about Pagans, witches, vampires, and faeries. Candia’s classic voice is like no other, when she sings about riding on a demon steed, you know she really means it, man. An essential touchstone of modern Pagan music.

Further Reading:
Interview with Inkubus Sukkubus.

Tags: Paganism