The Rock Blogger

Neofolk , also known as dark or apocalyptic folk, is an underwritten and complex genre that typically features acoustic and classical instrumentals set against themes of pastoral romanticism, folklore, history and occult. Here are several stunning albums that have defined and expanded the genre.

10. Forseti. Windzeit . 2002.

Beautiful use of strings and dark German vocals define this album. The progressions are effective in their simplicity and evoke the calm of the distant countryside.

9. Death in June. But, What Ends When Symbols Shatter? . 1992.

One of the most well-known, influential and controversial neofolk acts to emerge from the British post-industrial scene. The work of Death in June is always moving and morbid, drawing in lyrical imagery from World War II, The Roman Empire, Norse Mythology and other notorious sources. This highly regarded album reamins one of their most brooding and experimental efforts.

8. Nature and Organization. Beauty Reaps the Blood of Solitude . 1994.

A wonderfully cohesive album that draws in Paganistic themes (including a stirring rendition of The Wicker Man song) in fleshing out naturalistic vision. Along with its sweeping neoclassical instrumentation, the album also features mystical poetics from Current 93’s David Tibet.

7. Nest. Trail of the Unwary . 2007.

Finland’s Nest contrats traditional musical instruments with synths and atmospheric samples to retell Scandanavian lore. An adventourous and carefully crafted album that takes its time to seep in.

6. Empyrium. Weiland . 2002.

This was the last, and probably most rewarding, album from Germany’s Empyrium. Their unique neofolk sound remains intact for their final outing, with greater emphasis on atmosphere and dramatic vocal delivery. The haunting German chants, acoustic interludes, piano keys and swelling strings work together in fluid, transcendent compositions, underpinned by swift, subtle drumming. The occasional flute, horn and brass accompaniment is also welcomed and lends many of these songs a certain grandiosity.

5. Vali. Forlatt . 2004.

Even if you are familiar with other bands in the neofolk genre,  this is still worth the effort to uncover. Whereas its contemporaries are often dark, unsettling and mournful, Vali is uplifting and heartrendingly beautiful. Its soothing compositions move with calm patience, letting each arpeggio descend and cello ache  organically.

4. Agalloch. The White EP . 2008.

The White EP is essentially calls for a return to nature, as the songs conjure images of snow covered wilderness (”Birch White”), contemplative seclusion (”Isle of Summer”) and paganism’s worship of the elements (”Sowilo Rune”). The whole experience, made complete with natural sound effects like chirping and rustling, is meditative and comforting, conveying a deep and eternal connection with our natural surroundings.

3. Ulver. Kveldssanger . 1995.

Easily one of the most important and influentual nefolk albums to ever be released. This is a haunting and gorgeous collection of Norwegian folk songs tinged by sinister tones and acoustic chanting. While nearly every album Ulver has done is incredible, they never made another as organic as this one.

2. Tenhi. Maaäet . 2006.

Everyone of these 12 songs features moments of incredible emotional clarity, whether its in the stirring swells of cello, the gently plucked acoustic guitars or the mysterious chanting vocals hovering in the background, Tenhi color their work with subtle mastery, luring you into different shades of contemplation and release. There are many breathtaking parts to take in, like the glorious piano-driven crescendo of Vähäinen violetissa or the mournful, full-bodied string opening of Kuoppa, where you’ll taken back by the stunning and almost operatic lifts in mood and tension.

1. Current 93. All the Pretty Little Horses . 1996.

What a divisive album to top off a list! Touching on themes of death, isolation and salvation, David Tibet’s dark lyricism remains fixated on the concept of “The Inmost light” or soul that remains dim and suppressed in the material world. The concept repeats itself across the album, remaining the stark point of reference for TIbet’s ruminations on childhood and fading memories. The gentle lullabies like “All the Pretty Little Horses” and “The Blood Bells Chime” have Tibet carefully drawing us into his disturbing and almost mystical visions of abandoned streets and distant forests, playgrounds for the lost characters of his narrative. The lyrics also carry an apocalyptic tension, with mention of a “smashed god” and lonely Christ figures wandering desolate landscapes. Tibet’s vocals are meticulously annunciated, reading off his poetry with almost religious abandon, expressing a distinct English tone that alludes to the visionary musings of William Blake and Alistair Crowley .

This entry was posted on Monday, May 25th, 2009 at 11:02 pm and is filed under Lists. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.