May 30, 2022 — As seasons turn and summer draws ever nearer, this latest New Moon is the last before the heathen celebration of the Summer Solstice. Soon, warmer months will truly be upon us. In this bi-weekly, lunar-spun round-up of Kurgan-approved releases and news, James Paterson ably reports about music from colder climes focusing on a wide range of metal, neofolk, and world artists like surprise-finds OTYKEN and Pawl D Beats, plus more.
May 16, 2022 — This Full Moon Fortnight might not be rich as some of our previous, but do not let that dissuade you. With new music from artists ready to release new albums like Munknörr and Vévaki, to the thrashing metal of Irdorath, and the announcement of The HU’s second album, there is enough to keep you busy till next time. Besides, today marks a special occasion for those versed in lunar lore, as the eclipse is known as the (super flower) blood moon because of its spectacular, reddish appearance.
April 30, 2022 — With the New Moon aligned to block the sun, signaling the start of summer and spring as per ancient rituals, this particular Black Moon coincides with a lunar eclipse, thus the movements of the night’s sky are making for potent natural forces. Kurgan Compass™ recommends readers shy away from moon magic because the eclipse energy is so intense as we move forward into May. That aside, the abundance of the past two weeks’ releases has been spectacularly potent in its own right.
April 16, 2022 — The first half of April has brought tons of musical excellence by way of the dawn goddess as she dances forth under the Pink Moon. Spring-time full moons were unique events to our ancestors and in heathen cultures. Known as the “Pink Moon”, it is so named due to the blooming of wildflowers in April — hence, the name is somewhat misleading as the moon won’t actually appear pink. Read on for the rundown.
April 1, 2022 — As the new moon of April occurs on the first date of the first month of magical spring, the forces of folk and metal team up once more to gift the world with a variety of artistic endeavors and some rather epic music. With such a bountiful bevy of recently-released material, we put veteran music journalist James Paterson to task with articulating the finer points of today’s neofolk and metal rundown.
March 22, 2022 — The darkfolk flair of Sweden’s Andreas Axelsson’s Nattramn project has time and time again taken inspiration from the poetry, language, and culture of the Nordic people, with most of his previous releases focusing on the characteristics of the mysteriously enthralling Elder Futhark runes.
March 16, 2022 — In the depths of dark nights, we can always rely on turning to the moon for bathing in the eerie light that gives life to the darkest corners of the earth. The new moon has graced us with a hoard of new, impending releases from the ever-expanding worlds of neofolk and metal. Read on as James Paterson details the latest from Wardruna, Kjell Braaten, Sun and Moon Dance, Sabaton, and more. FULL STORY »
March 2, 2022 — The full moon has given us plenty to listen to across the neofolk and metal genres. The early March moon has brought a variety of songs ranging from a remake almost a decade in the making, to new singles from debut albums, thus we are glad to let you know this ‘Full Moon Fortnight’ has a little something for everyone. Robert Kohls reports of Týr, Forndom, Walk Kauz, Herknungr, and more.
February 22, 2022 — Few bands can weave a sense of culture and space as coherently and forcefully on a first effort as Bloodywood has. Distinctly at odds with a genre that is settled between the cultures of Europe and the steppes, the Indian folk metal fusion of Bloodywood’s Rakshak debut album.
February 16, 2022 — As the moon transforms into its full, rich, hunter’s form, so too does our biweekly bill of headlines with a bevy of new releases from folk and metal acts like Bjorth, Månegarm, Kjell Braaten, Sabaton, Danheim, Vinnie Camilleri, and Annie Hurdy Gurdy. Read on as James Paterson reports of the past two weeks most notable releases.
February 12, 2022 — Swedish folk music artist Andreas Axelsson’s earlier Fornsken project underwent a rebirth last year, leaving behind the name Fornsken in favor of a new neofolk moniker, namely that of Nattramn. Speaking recently to Kurgan Compass, Axelsson explained the nature of his project’s newfound identity and the nightly beast to which Nattramn owes its name.
February 1, 2022 — We are already a month into the new year and artists slinging neofolk and metal have already proven they aim to give their all in the current sun orbit. The previous ‘Fullmoon Fortnight’ was brimming with great songs, and we are delighted to report the new moon is shining just as brightly with new releases by Wardruna, Bjarla, Dreyma, Faun, and more.
January 22, 2022 — The hour of the wolf is upon us with Swedish black metal outfit Ereb Altor’s latest. Epic riffs and synth follow the deep choral chants of Vargtimman (“The Hour of the Wolf”), evoking all the grimness of black metal, but leaning into modern power metal fare and Norse myth with its soaring peaks and deep troughs, filled with low chugging bass and satisfyingly sinister drum fills on opener ‘I Have The Sky’.
January 16, 2022 — The Kurgan is proud to premiere our first bi-weekly ‘Full Moon’ roundup series that replaces the weekly updates of 2021. The new year started off jam-packed with interesting releases in metal, hard rock, and neofolk. Leading up to the full moon, artists like Sun and Moon Dance, Sowulo, Sabaton, Heldom, and The Hellacopters, and more, ensured a steady stream of new releases. FULL STORY »
January 6, 2022 — Einar Selvik is a name any folk music household should know, a multi-instrumentalist, probably best known for his work in Wardruna. Leaving the world of the artist-driven music industry, Selvik as of late has found himself composing soundtracks for Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla?
December 26, 2021 — The year may be coming to a close, but that does not mean the distinct sounds of neofolk and folk metal will be taking a break. We were expecting another slow week as this is our final weekly roundup for the year, but lo and behold, we were greeted by a myriad of releases that provide all sorts of galder-chants and metal-making rune magic.
December 19, 2021 — Kurgan readers may be disappointed by the lack of representation from the metal genre this week. However, they need not fret as fresh folk releases showcase the strength and beauty that can be found in traditional sounds. World-famous Celtic composer Adrian Von Ziegler dropped a new compilation record, Draugablíkk teased a Winter Solstice track, and singles from Bobby Sant, Bjorth, and Faun were released.
December 12, 2021 — There’s nothing quite like kicking back with a Yuletide drink and the intoxicating sounds of neofolk. Well, unless you are fueling your day with a jolt of caffeine and folk metal — either way, this week’s roundup is brimming with audio choices to accompany either scenario. Artists like Sowulo and Hellung topped the media circuit this week as new albums, new tracks, and even exciting new announcements gave neofolk fans something to revel over.
December 5, 2021 — This week’s roundup is absolutely jam-packed with great music from fantastic artists. Featuring singles from Faun and Bjarla, a three-track sampler for the upcoming album by Sun and Moon Dance, and the new albums released by Erdling and Gåte. Whether you prefer metal or folk, there’s more than enough to whet your appetite.
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