Monday Music Break: Imbolc Fire

Happy February!  Since Imbolc was just over the weekend, I wanted to share something Imbolc-related with you all.

So what luck, a few days ago I heard about Imbolc Fire, a pagan folk rock studio project of Irene Jericho, Chris Kackley and Jay Jericho from Cassandra Syndrome.  A band with super-talented musicians from the DC region, who also have Imbolc in their band name - perfect!

Image from imbolcfire.bandcamp.com

Their bandcamp page describes Imbolc Fire as such: "The project channels earthy spirituality and mysticism into acoustic, hand-percussion driven musical journeys. Spanning from jubilant to deeply introspective, this group offers the listener a moving tapestry of sonic experiences."

I decided to share all 5 songs from their debut EP, "Drum and Chalice," because... well, because why not?  It's great music and deserves to be heard!

Monday Music Break: Revel Moon

Things have been so volatile for me lately that I think this week's music break calls for a good mix of fire and water...

The song is "Fire & Water" by Revel Moon.  The group disbanded several years ago, but you may recognize Irene Jericho's voice - she is now the lead singer of Cassandra Syndrome, one of my favorite local bands.  I believe another band member from Revel Moon, Jay, also became part of Cassandra Syndrome. 

Source: revelmoon.cassandrasyndrome.com

Happy 1st Blogiversary to Me!!

Today is marks 1 year since my 1st post on Blogger!  Thank you to all you wonderful people who have been reading my blog and helped me get here :)  Since this blog focuses primarily on pagan music, I am celebrating by posting some of my favorite songs by pagan artists.  Enjoy the pagan music extravaganza!!

"Storm" by S.J. Tucker:  This became one of my favorite songs the instant I heard it <3

"Drawing Down the Moon" by Gaia Consort": I love how poetic the lyrics are, and the contrast between the softer verses and the more driving chorus.

"Wild" by Cassandra Syndrome: This is atypical of their usual operatic metal sound, but it's so deliciously deep and dark and wild and free, I just love it :)

"The Great Selkie" by Avalon Rising: Traditional song with such a lovely arrangement.  I was introduced to this song many years ago and it's still one of my favorites!  (Sorry, all I have is a link to a sample, but I really wanted to share either this song or "God Walks Among Us," which is completely unavailable online apparently.)

Listen

"I Walk With the Goddess" by Kellianna: I just love this chant - complex enough to be interesting, but not too hard to forget.  And it's fun!

And that's it for now.  Hope you guys enjoyed all the great music!  Please feel free to continue the blogiversary pagan music extravaganza by linking up to your favorite pagan songs in the comment section :)

Monday music break: Cassandra Syndrome

Happy Monday!  Last week was my organization's annual retreat.  This year we had it at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV.  Although mountains aren't usually my thing, it's really quite beautiful up there.  One of our team-building activities was an evening sitting around a bonfire playing silly games and otherwise enjoying each others' company.  I took photos during the bonfire, so I'll be sure to share a few of those when I get a chance to upload them.

For now, please enjoy this video by my favorite local bands, Cassandra Syndrome.  They are a pagan band with a a brooding, operatic metal sound.  They are really, really amazing, especially live - and I'm not just saying that because I'm friends with the bassist :)  This song, "Shackles," from their 2nd album Satire X, really speaks to what I've been pondering much of lately in terms of the systemic mindlessness of society, and the shackles that we allow ourselves to wear in the name of fitting in.  

And here's a bonus song, because I love their music so damn much and want to share the love.  Here's a live recording of "Mirror, Mirror."  This song is almost certainly the best song off of their first album, Of Patriots and Tyrants.

If you like what you hear, please check out more of their music at www.cassandrasyndrome.com, and if you are so inclined please support local artists and buy one of their albums.