Magyarul itt olvasható.

It is a well-known fact that All Hallows Day is the celebration of remembrance and grace, and it was very important for the Celts as well. According to the traditions, the border which divides the living people and the world of death fades away these days. The spirits of our faithful departed return to the Earth in order to visit their relatives. Moreover, many Irish people have thought for long centuries that this is also the time when Fairies abandon their summer habitation and ride into the world of humans. The aim of my article is showing these mysteries whose center points are the supernatural.

TROBAR DE MORTE - SUMMONING THE GODS

The Spanish band, whose frontwoman is the fabulous hurdy-gurdy witch, Lady More, mix the Medieval harmonies with elements of Northern and Celtic folk music in a very dark and enchanting way. The gloomy and mysterious mood of the song takes us to the clearing of a forest, where we can see the magic of the vixens. Should we avoid them or shall we let our feet step towards the three women…?

OMNIA - WYTCHES BREW

If we talk about hags, we cannot forget the Three Witches of the well-known tragedy, ’Macbeth’. The Dutch neofolk group set music to the original lines of Shakespeare, and it is a proper approach of the gloomy settings. Omnia are different from the other neo-Celtic bands because their music is more dynamic and powerful, thanks to the instruments used, like hurdy-gurdy, harp, Celtic tuning guitar and the didgeridoo.

IDA ELENA FEAT. ALBERT DANNENMANN – THE BALLAD OF THE SILVER DRESSED LADY

Ida Elena, one of the brightest star of the Italian music scene, is well-known not only in metal music (Bare Infinity) but she has also become popular among the fans of folk and Medieval projects. Teamed with the German folk music legend Albert Dannenmann, they wrote this wonderful haunting ballad about a silver-dressed lady, who has been searching her knight lover for long centuries. The story can be familiar because many folk songs, ballads, legends and records are about ghost women who have been roaming on Earth for long centuries in order to find their lost love.

EMPYRIUM: THE SHEPHERD AND THE MAIDEN GHOST

The members of the former black metal band later re-invented themselves as an acoustic formation. Their song, which is very similar to the one mentioned above, shows a dialogue between a shepherd and a maiden ghost. He is eager to help but the lady cannot accept it since she is imprisoned on Earth because of her pain and love.

BLACKMORE’S NIGHT - I GUESS IT DOESN'T MATTER ANYMORE

Last week in our ’Ethereal’ series, we presented Blackmore’s Night, who must be one of the most popular folk rock bands. Their song, ’I Guess It Doesn't Matter Anymore’ is based on a story of Resurrection Mary. She was killed in a car crash in the early 1930s and since then she has appeared many times on the edge of the road. She asks drivers to give her a lift and when they arrive at the gates of the Justice Cemetery, Illionois, she disappears. The fine dynamic songs are faithful to the recordings and one can always be joyful to hear Mr. Blackmore playing rock music.

ELANE – MY IVORY FAIRY

Elane, who were shown in our magazine several weeks ago, composed this beautiful song, which is based on a fairy romance. According to the Irish people, the folk of Danu abandons their summer residency this day and they march and meander covered in mist in the autumn countryside of Ireland. As the Wise Old saying goes it is dangerous to approach them because they can capture humans and bring them to their sidhe hills. What happens there? Romance or anguish? It depends only on the Fairies’ mood...

BLACKMORE’S NIGHT: HANGING TREE

What feelings can a hanging tree have? Sadness, anger, savageness or penitence? Does she have a chance to be redeemed if blood covers her branches? This folk inspired ballad is definitely the darkest among the songs of the duo. This is a closure of our article. Blessed Samhain and All Hallows to Everybody!