The Pagan Herald

"The Pagan Herald – Voices of Nature, Myths and Pagan Metal"
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"The Pagan Herald" is a sophisticated print-only fanzine, which is dedicated to haunting, nature-inspired and pagan music exclusively. Its primary intention is to shape a union of free-thinking and ardent individuals from Europe (and beyond), who are dedicated to Nature, myths, history, folklore, questions of belief, mysticism and spiritualism, further consciousness, independence and sincerity - and aesthetics in general.
While deeply rooted in Metal, now (Neo-)Folk, Folklore, Rock, Ambient and so forth will find their places as well. This approach is justified by the fact that the various and magnificent forms of ingenious pagan music are as diversified and as different as the people behind the music themselves. Just look at Pagan Metal: It ranges from Black, Death, Heavy, Doom to other styles and sub-genres – in the end, there are simply no conceptual, stylistic or musical boundaries for any art, which is in principle an uttermost expression of an adoring heart and an independent mind.
And as conventional patterns of explanation and evaluation work neither with paganism nor with Pagan Metal, one could say that every kind of pagan music is somehow unique, similar and disparate at once. The unifying aspect lies in certain patterns of thinking individually and being inspired by cycles and symbols of Nature, history and myths. However, “The Pagan Herald” will perhaps contain some sort of framework of elementary components a “pagan band” should display to be likely called a pagan or Nature-loving one (even though there doesn’t exist a set blueprint of personal attributes and conceptual features). This might be a quite subjective matter. But let's just say that all the musicians interviewed are in one way or another whole-hearted and continually (lifelong) devoted to the reasons why and how their music is accomplished and brought “to life” – subsequently their art is becoming convincing in what it stands for, sincere in its creative process and – last but not least – ultimately unique and fascinating for us as an observer and emotional consumer.
Thus, our interviews try to explore a band’s quintessence; further we try to give an outline of their dedication to Nature and the symbols and cycles of life itself, their ancient history and these times of olden gods, the cultural knowledge and forgotten lore, a healthy patriotism (might it be attached to a region, a nation or places to live), the myths, tales and ethics of their forefathers, the question how these issues find their significance and value for the mind of a 21st century human. Oh yes, and not to forget a closer look onto the musicians’ strong and out of the ordinary individual mentality, free of the poisoning grip of prejudice, superficiality, transfiguration and conceited arrogance!
Pity though, it seems important to stress this last point: Because in these narrow-minded and black-white-thinking days, – which are often dominated by materialism, demoralisation, atheism and an ephemeral search for meaning and fortune –, independence and consciousness in paganism and Pagan Metal are often the seeds for hatred and false supremacy. Mindless flocks of sheep tend to pick the easy path of dogmas and shallow ideologies nowadays. But Paganism does not equal elitism.
Moreover, the preposterous apparitions of any ideological and philosophical connection of certain heathen customs and folklore to the inferior doctrines and dogmas of National Socialism, racism or totalitarianism are only matched by the lack of common sense and foolishness of the people being deceived. False patriotism, inverted esotericism and mistreated mythology as well as unsustainable scientific and historical speculations are the sources for suggestive and opportunistic material, which was and is transformed to propaganda – and therefore easily attracts the weak and domineering. We have little space for that in “The Pagan Herald”.
Concluding, our purpose is neither to explain nor to define in a few words what the musical and lyrical essence of pagan music and its various conceptual paths is. Still, as you have read, we have a slight idea about it, which we want to share and let flourish with others. That’s why “The Pagan Herald” is exploring the many facets of nature-inspired music and Pagan Metal by questioning and by presenting the deep insights of the musicians and individuals themselves.
It basically is meant to support, while the words of the interviewed musicians might widen the Reader’s horizon and previous knowledge – they certainly have widened ours. In the end, one might even come closer to the essence of what Pagan Metal and Nature in general are about.
Pagan regards, the authors (Loke & Heimdall)
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ISSUE #1
The first issue was released in april 2005 ce and its first 150 limited copies sold out pretty fast. We had extensive and in-depth interviews with such outstanding bands as:
- Obtest (Lithuania)
- Primordial (Ireland)
- Belenos (France)
- Bergthron (Germany)
- Hagal (Germany)
- Sólstafir (Iceland)
- Nydvind (France)
- Forefather (United Kingdom)
Additionally, about 100 extensive reviews were included. The unlimited edition (b/w, regular cover) is still available from us (5 Euros plus postage) or you can purchase «Issue #1» at:
Grau
VÁN
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ISSUE #2
The second issue is available since january 2007. We have got five long and sophisticated interviews with these outstanding artists
- Helrunar (Germany)
- Skyforger (Latvia)
- Paysage d'Hiver (Switzerland)
- Heidevolk (Netherlands)
- Kawir (Greece)
Besides tons of profound reviews (more than 100 inside music, books, fanzines, concerts. etc), you'll find three different articles/ essays as well. Topics are:
- "Kalevala". National epic poem of Finland.
- "Spiritreality" - thoughts on "religion" in Viking Age Scandinavia.
- "Nature" in paganism - the words on men's tongues, and the sounds in men's ears.
In all 122 pages. First edition (200) includes CD-Sampler. Available from us directly (price is 5 Euros plus postage), or you can purchase it at:
VÁN
Temple of Torturous
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ISSUE #3
Work on the next issue has started. More news on that will be announced soon!
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Contact in general: the_pagan_herald at hotmail dot com. [ Loke ]
Contact inside Germany: the-pagan-herald at hotmail dot de. [ Heimdall ]
If you wish to send a promo, feel free to contact us!