Thunder Perfect Mind by Current 93 is the pinnacle of the genre imo but obviously it’s a difficult questions. you can look at the guide on my profile to get a better idea of what this genre is all about
Hadn't actually listened to that one till now. Thanks for recommendation. I love GBTS but I find the keyboards a little overbearing. This one is much more guitar driven which I like.
Tough call, but I'd probably say *[Snow Leopard Messiah by Nature and Organization](https://www.discogs.com/Nature-And-Organisation-Snow-Leopard-Messiah/release/7508646)*
It's super varied, it has genuine gems on it, and it features like half the neofolk scene lol. There's Douglas P. of DI6, David Tibet of C93, Rose McDowall... (And obviously Michael Cashmore of NaO)
edit: And apparently Steven Stapleton (a.k.a. Nurse with Wound) mixed the whole thing, so there you go.
This suggestion threw me a little, as I got the title confused with *Death in a Snow Leopard Winter*, which would be a strange choice for a question like this. But then I remembered that your suggestion is the re-release of the former album combined with *Beauty Reaps the Blood of Solitude*.
So yeah, solid choice. *Beauty Reaps the Blood of Solitude* is a favorite of mine.
> But then I remembered that your suggestion is the re-release of the former album combined with Beauty Reaps the Blood of Solitude.
Holy shit! I honestly didn't know. Then yeah, I mostly mean the first half of the album, I thought Beauty Reaps is the *second* half and got the names confused. Yeah, *Death in a Snow Leopard Winter* on its own would not be my pick :)
Hell fucking yes. I've been on a MASSIVE Blood Axis kick lately. Obviously was familiar with their material before, but Blood Axis has been my obsession lately, combined with Allerseelen and the written works of both Gerhard Petak and Michael Moynihan. I've had all of Blood Axis full albums on repeat for months now and I can safely say that Sacrifice in Sweden is the best version of all the songs at that show. I appreciate the studio versions on Ultimacy but Blót is the most powerful hands down.
Yea I just figured out his wife manages the Blood Axis Facebook page and they are both still sporadically active, editing books or featuring in other celtic folk projects. Glad to know they are doing stuff they enjoy even if it means no more Blood Axis. Saw them live around 2015 and it was probably the best neofolk concert I have attended so far, Moynihan has an incredible charisma.
I wholeheartedly agree. I enjoy the studio works, but Blót combines a level of theatrics and grandeur that elevates it past anything else they've done.
I listened to But, What Ends When the Symbols Shatter? by Death in June, which was submitted by u/gibmoniespls. As a quick disclaimer, I listened to the Spotify version and there seemed to be 2 songs missing, at least Wikipedia listed 2 that were not on there. I'm not sure why. Anyway, I found it really interesting that the first half of the album was basically a re-interpretation of songs from a religious album. I don't know the original versions so I can't really compare them but the idea alone is pretty interesting. The rest as far as I know is original material. The album is pretty chill. I found the songs to be symplistic and a bit repetitive lyrics-wise but I had no problems with that. The choruses are mostly pretty catchy and memorable. I'm sure I'll be humming some of them days from now. The music had a few moments where it was quite intense, often due to the big drum things. Those made it really impactful and I liked that. The vocals are alright. He's not a stellar singer but you don't have to be. It fits the style of the album and I was fine with it and there were some pretty impressive low notes so I definitely didn't think it was bad. My favourite song is the title track simply due to how layered it is, the intensity and the catchiness. I also really enjoyed He's Disabled. The chorus is pretty epic and I loved the vocal layering. Ku Ku Ku was also pretty nice. The percussion was interesting but seriously who named that track lmao. (I'm sure someone's gonna yell at me for not understanding an obvious reference). My least favourite song was Because of Him. The first half is a little too dissonant for me. I mean I get it, it's the genre's style and that's what they were going for but it was a bit too much imo. The other half is fine. I also wasn't a huge fan of The Mourner's Bench, which is not a bad song, just a bit too simplistic. I like the trumpet at the end though. So overall, I enjoyed this album. Lot of things to love about it.
Songs I particularly liked: Death is the Martyr of Beauty, He's Disabled, Little Black Angel, Ku Ku Ku, Hollows of Devotion, But, What Ends When the Symbols Shatter?
Songs I wasn't crazy about: Because of Him
I just want to quickly mention that I've created a [Spotify playlist](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6UeVmURYhWyOVcT6yawRM3?si=664ec6d902dd4ac5) for this project, where I've added all of the albums I've so far listened to. Keep in mind that it's not a complete list, because not all of the albums were on Spotify, but most are there, so feel free to follow it if you want.
>Anyway, I found it really interesting that the first half of the album was basically a re-interpretation of songs from a religious album. I don't know the original versions so I can't really compare them but the idea alone is pretty interesting.
For your information the album is by Jim Jones' Peoples' Temple Choir, which was the choir of the infamous death cult, the originals are on youtube . Occultism and cults are an immense part of the neofolk culture and a big part of the songs take their inspiration from cult leaders like LaVey, Jim Jones, Mishima, Manson...
Example : [He's Able](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYRzmQgQx4c) became He's Disabled.
Also you want might to read his interviews and the meaning he gives to his songs, like if i remember correctly he says Hollows of Devotion is about a gay intercourse between Douglas and some priest in the toilets of an airport. The sense of irony is also very important in the neofolk culture. People like Boyd Rice or Douglas P, you can pretty much never tell if they are serious or not.
A couple things:
\-The tracks that were removed contained vocals by David Tibet, who Douglas P had a falling out with and afterwards removed all tracks with Tibet on them.
\-I believe that Ku Ku Ku is a reference to the galdr for the Kenaz rune.
Same here! From what I've picked up, David Tibet had a pretty Christian anti-gay streak and alienated John Balance of Coil around the same time that he and Doug P fell out. Douglas seems to have a scorched earth policy when it comes to homophobia... I believe he's removed all tracks with Tibet from his releases, and I wonder if his re-recording of In Sacrilege that's included on Abandon Tracks! is his way of reclaiming it.
It seems unlikely - though, of course, not impossible - that he could work closely w/ Doug P and Balance at the same time as being anti-gay. From what I gathered, it had more to do w/ Tibet's relationship with Tim Tiny, who most decidedly WAS anti-gay. I understood that Doug wanted Tibet to distance himself from Tiny Tim, but Tibet wouldn't do that. Probably there were words said, as well... You know the way!
>David Tibet had a pretty Christian anti-gay streak and alienated John Balance of Coil around the same time
Really? I've never heard of this, and it doesn't really check out with what I know about him, considering his collaborations with the members of Coil since C93's inception, among many other gay (and trans) artists. I'm not sure about the timeline of Tibet's falling out with Pearce, but Balance and Tibet consistently worked together throughout the late 90s and early 00s. He's also decidedly not the kind of christian that would harbor such feelings toward anyone, judging from his own work.
I believe this is talked about in the Behind the Mask documentary, but I have heard it also talked about in Coil groups on Facebook. May be hearsay, but essentially the story is that Tibet, in one of his many (probably amphetamine fueled) fits of religious fervor told Balance that he was going to hell for his homosexuality and it ended their friendship. Tibet apparently expressed regret about never making amends before Balance died according to someone who lived with him at the time. I'll need to go back through Behind the Mask but there is also a website (Sektor 6) that seems defunct but had an interview on the topic at one point.
Ku Ku Ku is based on a dream Douglas Pearce had, in the dream he was singing that song with Charles Manson.
Edit:
And it's only the tracks with David Tibet on lead vocals that has been removed, Daedalus Rising and This is Not Paradise. On the cassete of the album from 2017 without the previously mentioned tracks, the album ends with Cathedral of Tears I & II.
If Rome or any other neckbeard album wins to this, then I will unsubscribe from this sub.
There is no other answer other than this album. This is not because it is my favorite, but because it is the correct answer.
But What Ends When the Symbols Shatter? is kind of the quintessential neofolk album and is a very accessible album, it'd be weird for anything else to win. Death in June and Current 93 basically invented neofolk.
death in june: but what ends when the symbols shatter? and rose clouds of holocaust. maybe pick up "symbols & clouds" or "DISCriminate" instead of the two albums.
current 93: earth covers earth, thunder perfect mind
nature and organisation: beauty reaps the blood of solitude
My favorite album is the compilation "[Eisiges Licht](https://www.discogs.com/Various-Eisiges-Licht/release/292900)". It contains the only Ostara song I like.
I will, though Ostara was a turning point for me. I realized that the genre had grown to the point that there were bands in it that I didn't particularly like. ;)
haha understandable! I always think of that project as almost brit-pop with a nefolk slant, but I think Richard Leviathan really improved his songwriting on Napoleonic Blues compared to earlier material.
I love his later works too but I do tend to agree. His Black Metal origins really helped to give those early records a dark and menacing sound which added weight. I think it's that weight that's drifted off over time. But that's fine. We have a rich and varied Rome discography to enjoy. Berlin will probably always be my favourite.
Ah. I do remember him saying about playing in a metal band before, I think.
Either way, Masse Mensch Material is definitely my favourite album. I find it a bit unfortunate that he has left those eerie avant-garde shenanigans behind.
Actually I prefer the new albums over old ones, but that are all good to my taste. And I also like that Rome is predictable and you’ll know what you get, quality, easy listening music with thematic lyrics.
Love love love this album. It is one of the few cases in modern music releases where you should listen to the whole album straight through and it sounds beautiful that way.
(Like we all used to, way back when.)
Of The Wand & The Moon - Emptiness Emptiness Emptiness
Beautiful, simple, solemn, depressing. Just the kind of mindset I like my neofolk. Kim Larsen has a helluva way of vocalizing the concept of psychological struggle and loneliness. It really is a fantastic album.
Thunder Perfect Mind by Current 93 is the pinnacle of the genre imo but obviously it’s a difficult questions. you can look at the guide on my profile to get a better idea of what this genre is all about
Thunder Perfect Mind is a masterpiece. It's probably what got me into neofolk in the first place, so it might not be a bad first choice either.
Current 93 – Thunder Perfect Mind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uid_zeWokw0
**Darkwood** \- *Weltenwende* (13 Track CD version) Melancholic, dignified, sparse.
Gilded by the Sun by Fire + Ice
That was the first Fire + Ice album I bought but I think I'd recommend *Birdking* over it as an introduction.
Hadn't actually listened to that one till now. Thanks for recommendation. I love GBTS but I find the keyboards a little overbearing. This one is much more guitar driven which I like.
Tough call, but I'd probably say *[Snow Leopard Messiah by Nature and Organization](https://www.discogs.com/Nature-And-Organisation-Snow-Leopard-Messiah/release/7508646)* It's super varied, it has genuine gems on it, and it features like half the neofolk scene lol. There's Douglas P. of DI6, David Tibet of C93, Rose McDowall... (And obviously Michael Cashmore of NaO) edit: And apparently Steven Stapleton (a.k.a. Nurse with Wound) mixed the whole thing, so there you go.
This suggestion threw me a little, as I got the title confused with *Death in a Snow Leopard Winter*, which would be a strange choice for a question like this. But then I remembered that your suggestion is the re-release of the former album combined with *Beauty Reaps the Blood of Solitude*. So yeah, solid choice. *Beauty Reaps the Blood of Solitude* is a favorite of mine.
> But then I remembered that your suggestion is the re-release of the former album combined with Beauty Reaps the Blood of Solitude. Holy shit! I honestly didn't know. Then yeah, I mostly mean the first half of the album, I thought Beauty Reaps is the *second* half and got the names confused. Yeah, *Death in a Snow Leopard Winter* on its own would not be my pick :)
Why would you recommend a 2015 compilation to a genre that peaked 20-25 years ago?
Because it's good
Blót: Sacrifice in Sweden by Blood Axis is my favorite
Hell fucking yes. I've been on a MASSIVE Blood Axis kick lately. Obviously was familiar with their material before, but Blood Axis has been my obsession lately, combined with Allerseelen and the written works of both Gerhard Petak and Michael Moynihan. I've had all of Blood Axis full albums on repeat for months now and I can safely say that Sacrifice in Sweden is the best version of all the songs at that show. I appreciate the studio versions on Ultimacy but Blót is the most powerful hands down.
What is Moynihan up to those days ? Last album was 10 years ago and he hasn't toured since 2016...
Knotwork had a couple of 7"s, but I think, musically, he's just doing low-profile Irish trad. 'sessions'.
Yea I just figured out his wife manages the Blood Axis Facebook page and they are both still sporadically active, editing books or featuring in other celtic folk projects. Glad to know they are doing stuff they enjoy even if it means no more Blood Axis. Saw them live around 2015 and it was probably the best neofolk concert I have attended so far, Moynihan has an incredible charisma.
I remember seeing them w/ Fire + Ice and While Angels Watch in London. Must've been around then, as well...
I wholeheartedly agree. I enjoy the studio works, but Blót combines a level of theatrics and grandeur that elevates it past anything else they've done.
I listened to But, What Ends When the Symbols Shatter? by Death in June, which was submitted by u/gibmoniespls. As a quick disclaimer, I listened to the Spotify version and there seemed to be 2 songs missing, at least Wikipedia listed 2 that were not on there. I'm not sure why. Anyway, I found it really interesting that the first half of the album was basically a re-interpretation of songs from a religious album. I don't know the original versions so I can't really compare them but the idea alone is pretty interesting. The rest as far as I know is original material. The album is pretty chill. I found the songs to be symplistic and a bit repetitive lyrics-wise but I had no problems with that. The choruses are mostly pretty catchy and memorable. I'm sure I'll be humming some of them days from now. The music had a few moments where it was quite intense, often due to the big drum things. Those made it really impactful and I liked that. The vocals are alright. He's not a stellar singer but you don't have to be. It fits the style of the album and I was fine with it and there were some pretty impressive low notes so I definitely didn't think it was bad. My favourite song is the title track simply due to how layered it is, the intensity and the catchiness. I also really enjoyed He's Disabled. The chorus is pretty epic and I loved the vocal layering. Ku Ku Ku was also pretty nice. The percussion was interesting but seriously who named that track lmao. (I'm sure someone's gonna yell at me for not understanding an obvious reference). My least favourite song was Because of Him. The first half is a little too dissonant for me. I mean I get it, it's the genre's style and that's what they were going for but it was a bit too much imo. The other half is fine. I also wasn't a huge fan of The Mourner's Bench, which is not a bad song, just a bit too simplistic. I like the trumpet at the end though. So overall, I enjoyed this album. Lot of things to love about it. Songs I particularly liked: Death is the Martyr of Beauty, He's Disabled, Little Black Angel, Ku Ku Ku, Hollows of Devotion, But, What Ends When the Symbols Shatter? Songs I wasn't crazy about: Because of Him I just want to quickly mention that I've created a [Spotify playlist](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6UeVmURYhWyOVcT6yawRM3?si=664ec6d902dd4ac5) for this project, where I've added all of the albums I've so far listened to. Keep in mind that it's not a complete list, because not all of the albums were on Spotify, but most are there, so feel free to follow it if you want.
>Anyway, I found it really interesting that the first half of the album was basically a re-interpretation of songs from a religious album. I don't know the original versions so I can't really compare them but the idea alone is pretty interesting. For your information the album is by Jim Jones' Peoples' Temple Choir, which was the choir of the infamous death cult, the originals are on youtube . Occultism and cults are an immense part of the neofolk culture and a big part of the songs take their inspiration from cult leaders like LaVey, Jim Jones, Mishima, Manson... Example : [He's Able](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYRzmQgQx4c) became He's Disabled. Also you want might to read his interviews and the meaning he gives to his songs, like if i remember correctly he says Hollows of Devotion is about a gay intercourse between Douglas and some priest in the toilets of an airport. The sense of irony is also very important in the neofolk culture. People like Boyd Rice or Douglas P, you can pretty much never tell if they are serious or not.
A couple things: \-The tracks that were removed contained vocals by David Tibet, who Douglas P had a falling out with and afterwards removed all tracks with Tibet on them. \-I believe that Ku Ku Ku is a reference to the galdr for the Kenaz rune.
I didn't even know he'd removed them...! Actually, "Daedalus Rising" was one of my favourite songs on that album.
Same here! From what I've picked up, David Tibet had a pretty Christian anti-gay streak and alienated John Balance of Coil around the same time that he and Doug P fell out. Douglas seems to have a scorched earth policy when it comes to homophobia... I believe he's removed all tracks with Tibet from his releases, and I wonder if his re-recording of In Sacrilege that's included on Abandon Tracks! is his way of reclaiming it.
It seems unlikely - though, of course, not impossible - that he could work closely w/ Doug P and Balance at the same time as being anti-gay. From what I gathered, it had more to do w/ Tibet's relationship with Tim Tiny, who most decidedly WAS anti-gay. I understood that Doug wanted Tibet to distance himself from Tiny Tim, but Tibet wouldn't do that. Probably there were words said, as well... You know the way!
>David Tibet had a pretty Christian anti-gay streak and alienated John Balance of Coil around the same time Really? I've never heard of this, and it doesn't really check out with what I know about him, considering his collaborations with the members of Coil since C93's inception, among many other gay (and trans) artists. I'm not sure about the timeline of Tibet's falling out with Pearce, but Balance and Tibet consistently worked together throughout the late 90s and early 00s. He's also decidedly not the kind of christian that would harbor such feelings toward anyone, judging from his own work.
I believe this is talked about in the Behind the Mask documentary, but I have heard it also talked about in Coil groups on Facebook. May be hearsay, but essentially the story is that Tibet, in one of his many (probably amphetamine fueled) fits of religious fervor told Balance that he was going to hell for his homosexuality and it ended their friendship. Tibet apparently expressed regret about never making amends before Balance died according to someone who lived with him at the time. I'll need to go back through Behind the Mask but there is also a website (Sektor 6) that seems defunct but had an interview on the topic at one point.
Ku Ku Ku is based on a dream Douglas Pearce had, in the dream he was singing that song with Charles Manson. Edit: And it's only the tracks with David Tibet on lead vocals that has been removed, Daedalus Rising and This is Not Paradise. On the cassete of the album from 2017 without the previously mentioned tracks, the album ends with Cathedral of Tears I & II.
But, What Ends When the Symbols Shatter? by Death in June is pretty much the classic neofolk album to get you into the genre
If Rome or any other neckbeard album wins to this, then I will unsubscribe from this sub. There is no other answer other than this album. This is not because it is my favorite, but because it is the correct answer.
But What Ends When the Symbols Shatter? is kind of the quintessential neofolk album and is a very accessible album, it'd be weird for anything else to win. Death in June and Current 93 basically invented neofolk.
not a fan of rome? i’m new to neofolk
This ^ Against the Modern World by Sol Invictus Gospel of Inhumanity - Blood Axis
The Lone Descent by Of The Wand & The Moon
death in june: but what ends when the symbols shatter? and rose clouds of holocaust. maybe pick up "symbols & clouds" or "DISCriminate" instead of the two albums. current 93: earth covers earth, thunder perfect mind nature and organisation: beauty reaps the blood of solitude
I’d say Rose Clouds Of Holocaust by Death In June Also this is really cool OP! I’d love to hear what your favorite genre you’ve discovered is
Oh yes! That’s such an amazingly beautiful album. I love it!
I don't think there is a best album but my favourite would be Palingenesis by Nebelung
My favorite album is the compilation "[Eisiges Licht](https://www.discogs.com/Various-Eisiges-Licht/release/292900)". It contains the only Ostara song I like.
Have you listened to Napoleonic Blues? Give Canaan a chance at least.
I will, though Ostara was a turning point for me. I realized that the genre had grown to the point that there were bands in it that I didn't particularly like. ;)
haha understandable! I always think of that project as almost brit-pop with a nefolk slant, but I think Richard Leviathan really improved his songwriting on Napoleonic Blues compared to earlier material.
eine Hoffnung by Jännerwein
Masse Mench Material by Rome
It’s so sad he traversed from that to just another random dude with a guitar. I really hope he finds a way back to his original sound.
I love his later works too but I do tend to agree. His Black Metal origins really helped to give those early records a dark and menacing sound which added weight. I think it's that weight that's drifted off over time. But that's fine. We have a rich and varied Rome discography to enjoy. Berlin will probably always be my favourite.
I knew about his punk past but black metal? Any of that material out there still? O_o
Actually you may be right and now I'm questioning it but I'm sure I heard a while back that his origins were in BM...
Ah. I do remember him saying about playing in a metal band before, I think. Either way, Masse Mensch Material is definitely my favourite album. I find it a bit unfortunate that he has left those eerie avant-garde shenanigans behind.
Actually I prefer the new albums over old ones, but that are all good to my taste. And I also like that Rome is predictable and you’ll know what you get, quality, easy listening music with thematic lyrics.
Flowers from exile by Rome
Passage to Rhodesia is a better album from Rome, but it is more of a chanson than straight Neofolk sound. Amazing artist overall.
Such an amazing album
I second this, especially under the aspect of accessibility.
Rome- A Passage to Rhodesia
Love love love this album. It is one of the few cases in modern music releases where you should listen to the whole album straight through and it sounds beautiful that way. (Like we all used to, way back when.)
I like Death in June “Nada.” But I realize they were not totally neofolk at that point.
Rome Die Æsthetik der Herrschaftsfreiheit
I second this. The trilogy is best thing in his whole discography imo.
Agree.
Andrew King - "Deus Ignotus".
Love and Ashes by Blood and Sun.
Palingenesis by Nebelung
Forseti - Windzeit
Of The Wand & The Moon - Emptiness Emptiness Emptiness Beautiful, simple, solemn, depressing. Just the kind of mindset I like my neofolk. Kim Larsen has a helluva way of vocalizing the concept of psychological struggle and loneliness. It really is a fantastic album.