Kurgan Compass™

New Moon Fortnight: Fuimadane, Nebala, Wardruna, Sun and Moon Dance, Herknungr, and more

The pull of the black moon, as it aligns with an eclipse, has brought forth a Kurgan approved roundup bursting with new neofolk releases and a bit of metal shanty.

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.

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Weekly Roundup: Mongol, Norse, and Celtic Musical Traditions Come Together

Faun draws inspiration from Finnish folklore with ‘Wainamoinen’, while Bjorth and Bukhu give listeners a taste of Mongolian folk music through ‘Khishigten’.

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.

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Weekly Roundup:
Einar Selvik returns to Valhalla, Nattramn is born, ‘Hildring’, Danheim, Etc.

Lindy-Fay Hella & Dei Farne release new album ‘Hildring’ while Einar Selvik returns once more to UbiSoft’s ‘Assassin’s: Creed Valhalla’ Viking Universe.

November 28, 2021 — Kurgan Compass™ listeners can rejoice for this week’s roundup as we have been blessed with a wide range of music from a variety of folk artists. From the traditional elements of Danheim’s new single ‘Tivar’ (“Gods” in Old Norse) to more experimental tracks like Errrilaz ‘Valhalla’, this roundup is a smorgasbord of hypnotic songs inspired by ages past.

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Weekly Roundup: Kalandra teams with game developer; Munknörr and Pororoka drops new, official videos

Kalandra provides music for ‘Kingdom Two Crowns’ video game, Munknörr collaborates with Swedish video producers, and A Tergo Lupi really knows dark folk.

November 19, 2021 — The week is not done until music fans have read up on the latest neo- and dark folk tracks that have been released recently. There is plenty to enjoy in this roundup, with many of the tracks (successfully) relying on the power of string instruments to carry the signature sounds of Norse culture (while we have heard some of the tracks before, new music videos provide a fresh, different experience.)

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Weekly Roundup:
Yggdrasil & Serpent Kings

This week, two moving neofolk songs impregnate fans’ ears once more: A classic fable of love and chivalry, and a myth that explores the roots of Yggdrasil is on offer.

October 17, 2021 — Today’s weekly roundup may look sparse on the surface but is, in fact, abundant as the past few days were graced by releases from two highly competent neofolk artists pulling some lesser-known inspiration from the roots of Nordic culture and in doing so deliver two tracks that both have fascinating stories to tell — coupled by great performances.

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Weekly Roundup: Hrafngrímr, Skugga, Fabrizio Brugnera

Three highly different tracks round out a selection of releases that sing praise to noble warriors and warn of nature’s greatest threat in a pleasant manner.

October 10, 2021 — Fans will agree there is often something ritualistic about the pounding rhythms and haunting vocals of neofolk as if each track is calling upon some greater being. It is the magical blend of antiquated sounds of generations gone and modern musical concepts that keep listeners engrossed in various folk compositions.

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Weekly Roundup: Heldom, DROTT, HULKOFF, and more

A 16-track album from by folk artist Heldom emerged unexpectedly, whilst an exceptional folk metal single surfaced by Swedish folk metal warrior HULKOFF.

September 26, 2021 — The last couple of weeks have barely seen any neofolk releases at all. This week, however, things seem to have kicked into gear again as the colder weather of the Northern hemisphere sinks its teeth into daily life. A blend of neofolk and wolf-like metal round out a busy seven days, providing listeners with stirring sounds of bygone eras.

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Weekly Roundup:
Bjørnson/Selvik, SYR, Fenris

September kicks off with heathen, Viking-inspired songs from Sowulo, tasters of a new album by Ivar Bjornson & Einar Selvik, a Munknörr/Rúnahild collab, and more.

September 5, 2021 — For those in a dark and mysterious mood, perhaps longing for a little fantasy, this week’s roundup of neofolk releases delivers. It has not been a hefty week for Kurgan Compass’ roundup, but it does not have to be when the material released is the kind that latches on and stick.

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WEEKLY ROUNDUP: Foresaga, Osi and the Jupiter, HULKOFF

As August draws to a close, James Paterson reports of astonishing neofolk and metal releases from Osi and the Jupiter, HULKOFF, Thyrfing, Foresaga, and more.

August 28, 2021 — Kurgan Compass prides itself on revealing the newest, most exhilarating music discoveries rooted in ancient myth, dark mystery, and unknown history. This week, we touch upon the new album Stave by US neofolk masters Osi and the Jupiter, the ferocious latest record from Swedish Viking metallers Thyrfing, and more.

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Weekly Roundup: Fornsken, Kati Rán, Anilah, and more

This week’s news sees Kati Rán take on a production role in Norway, Darkher announce coming things, and new releases from Anilah, Fornsken, and Hindarfjäll.

August 21, 2021 — Here at Kurgan Compass™ we endeavor to bring you the best of myth-driven and otherworldly music, be that neofolk, dark ambient, or folk metal. This week we turn our ears towards new tracks from Darkher, Anilah, Fornsken, Hindarfjäll, and a new undertaking for Dutch-Frisian neofolk solo artist Kati Rán. FULL STORY »



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