Apocalyptic Folk
Apocalyptic Folk is a music genre that intertwines elements of folk, industrial, and experimental music. With its roots deeply set in the post-industrial music scene of the 1980s, this genre brings forth a unique blend of sounds and themes.
Table of Contents
Origin and Evolution
Apocalyptic Folk emerged in the late 20th century as an offshoot of post-industrial music. Its earliest pioneers sought to counterbalance the mechanical and noisy textures of industrial music with softer, more organic sounds. Here, traditional folk instruments and song structures melded with the dark, brooding atmospheres of post-industrial sonics.
Key artists like Current 93, Death in June, and Sol Invictus were central to the development and popularization of the genre. Their early works laid the foundation, integrating acoustic instruments, somber vocals, and ethereal sounds.
Lyrical Themes and Imagery
At its heart, Apocalyptic Folk often delves into themes of decay, decline, mysticism, spirituality, and of course, the apocalypse. This thematic exploration is not just restricted to a worldly end, but can also touch on personal, psychological, and spiritual ends.
Common symbols include runes, crosses, and other esoteric or pagan signs. Album covers and promotional materials often feature old-world or post-apocalyptic sceneries.
Instrumentation and Sound
Distinct from mainstream folk, Apocalyptic Folk incorporates a wide range of instruments – both traditional and unconventional. While one might find the usual guitar, violin, or flute, it’s equally common to come across more obscure instruments like the hurdy-gurdy, zither, or hammered dulcimer.
The inclusion of industrial elements, like tape loops, distorted sounds, and synthesized ambience, creates a unique blend of ancient and modern, organic and mechanical. The result is a sound that feels at once familiar and eerily otherworldly.
Notable Artists and Albums
Over the years, a number of artists have made significant contributions to the Apocalyptic Folk genre:
- Current 93: Led by David Tibet, their album “Thunder Perfect Mind” remains a defining work of the genre.
- Death in June: Often associated with its controversial imagery, the group’s album “The Guilty Have No Pride” is an essential listen.
- Sol Invictus: With “In The Rain”, this band delivered an album that captures the essence of the genre.
Modern Apocalyptic Folk
While the genre saw its prime in the 80s and 90s, it has continued to evolve, influencing newer artists and sub-genres. Modern Apocalyptic Folk musicians often incorporate elements from ambient, darkwave, and post-rock.
Emerging artists are also exploring fresh narratives, addressing contemporary socio-political issues and personal introspections.
