The Moon lay hidden beneath a Cloud (TMLHBAC) was an Austrian musical duo comprised of Albin Julius and Alzbeth. Their music reflected their deep fascination with myriad aspects of European medievalism including ritual, clerical chants and the daily experience of the peasantry.Their music combined modern electronics, tape loops and samplers with medieval instruments such as the shawm, hurdy gurdy, and Hexenscheit. Alzbeth was the primary vocalist for the group and often sang traditional songs in numerous archaic languages including Middle High German, Latin and Old French. Julius provided distorted and backup vocals.
When performing live, the band often played in old churches, fortresses, medieval prisons and theatres that provided an appropriate atmosphere for their static, militaristic performances.
Early on, the band provided no official photographs or any more information outside of a Swiss mailing address found inside of the albums. The band rarely appeared live or granted interviews. No songs were ever given official titles. After their split, both of the duo were considerably more vocal and promotional images were released.
With each subsequent release the band presented themes traveling further into European history and becoming more martial, choral and bombastic in approach, culminating in their final album; the largely World War II-inspired The Smell Of Blood But Victory (1997).
In 1998, the duo, also a couple, parted ways and recorded no new material. All of the group's music was released on their own Arthur's Round Table record label and distributed by World Serpent Distribution.
Albums and EPs
Year Title Format, Special Notes
1993 The Moon lay hidden beneath a Cloud CD
1994 amara tanta tyri CD
1995 A new soldier follows the path of a new King CD
1996 Yndalongg 10"
1995 Kostnice 7"
1996 Were you of Silver, were you of Gold? 12"/CD
1996 Madhr 7"
1996 a night in fear MCD, featuring Deutsch Nepal.
1997 Untitled 7"
1997 The Smell of Blood but Victory 2xCD box including a CD 5" and poster limited to 2000 copies. Disc 1 was rereleased afterwards.
1999 Rest on your Arms reversed CD, collection of all material on limited releases, all bonus tracks, compilations and unreleased material.
