Stille Volk - Milharis Book 2-CD

Stille Volk - Mystical progressive pagan music

Since 1994, French pagan folk stalwarts Stille Volk have released six flawless albums, establishing a unique style of acoustic music with an arcane, rustic atmosphere that invokes primeval heathen nature. In this way, they have been one of the pioneers of a musical scene and, in fact, an entire subculture that venerates ancient traditions. With "Milharis", the quartet celebrates its 25th anniversary in style, inviting you to a musical journey through the old myths of the Pyrenees mountain range.

The group's seventh album marks its renewed collaboration with Prophecy Productions / Auerbach Tonträger, who also released the genre pionieer's classic "Satyre Cornu" in 2001. Indeed, Stille Volk may have come full circle in several respects, not least thematically and musically. With a title harking back as far as 1997 to the song 'La Complainte De Milharis' from the band's debut "Hantaoma", the new record is easily their most consummate in terms of style, replete with lush acoustic arrangements and tribal percussions.

"It is based upon Milharis, one of the most important characters in Pyrenean mythology," explains main man Patrice Roques. "This patriarch shepherd of supposedly 999 years is related to the origins of the mountains and evokes the arrival of the first snow there, which probably symbolizes the beginning of Christianization and therefore the end of paganism." Mixed and mastered by Markus Stock at Klangschmiede Studio E to highlight Stille Volk's instrumental prowess and sonic power, "it is still authentic pagan music. It contains energic songs with a mystical, spiritual atmosphere. There are long tracks without vocals but also symphonic choirs, and you hear the historic hurdy gurdy or nyckelharpa. It is a timeless, primal piece."

"Milharis" is available as Digipak CD and 2CD book edition (hardcover, 18x18cm, 48 pages with essays in both French and English, enhanced artwork and 3 bonus tracks). Coinciding with its release, Stille Volk also present a comprehensive 7CD retrospection titled "Los Cants De Pyrène: Two Decades Of Pagan Hymns And Ancient Lore". The large-sized artbook (60 pages) includes all studio recordings from 1994 to 2014 besides an in-depth biography, copious visual content and, for the first time ever, English translations of all song lyrics.

Edition:
- 2CD Book (48 pages, hardcover, 18x18cm) incl. essays in both French and English and enhanced artwork, plus bonus CD with 3 bonus tracks (400 copies)

Tracklist:
01. Sous la peau de la montagne
02. L'aurost lunaire
03. Incantation mystique
04. Le crépuscule du pâtre
05. La mòrt de Milharis
06. Dans un temps qui n'a pas d'histoire…
07. La grotte du jadis
08. Sacré dans la tourmente
09. Neige que versa le ciel noir…
10. Parmi les monts oubliés

Bonus tracks:
01. Méditations sous le temple de granit
02. Le tombeau de Beliou
03. Linceul blanc