I’ve been asked about how the idea for this book project came together, so here’s a bit of background. The idea took shape over a period of several years as I noticed the prevalence of some fascinating commonalities linked to esotericism in the culture of the dark ambient scene. I found interesting patterns not only in the musical themes, art, and symbolism of many releases (e.g., solitude, introspection, subterranean lands, autumn and winter, mourning, underworld mythology, Heathen gods and goddesses, runes, sigils), but also in things like: • the frequent mention of the influence of entheogens • performances and recordings taking place in focused ritual magic contexts • many artists and fans wearing the Mjölnir or other Pagan symbols • musicians openly discussing their occult affiliations and placing emphasis on the importance of ritual and the sacred in their music rather than entertainment I am also fascinated by the way this music facilitates inner journeys through the terrain of the shadow self (in the Jungian sense), and holds a special appeal for contemplative and spiritually inclined people who appreciate the value of the sacred dark, and find a heavy emphasis on light and transcendence alienating. Eventually it became clear to me that there is a strong undercurrent of serious esotericism in dark ambient music and culture – similar to what is happening in the black metal scene – and I felt that if it hadnt already been explored, affirmed, and documented in writing, it certainly deserved to be. I looked around for a book like this in English, and I didn’t find one…so I decided to write one!
Posted on: Sat, 30 Nov 2013 21:49:55 +0000
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