Just after solidifying their new partnership with Napalm Records, mystical folk duo Tabernis extend the invitation to their enigmatic ritual with a new single, "Tenebrae". The first offering from their forthcoming debut full-length, Seasons Of The Dark Hive, due on 24 April, is named after the Latin word for "darkness" and intertwines ancient tradition and dark mysticism in an array of moody instrumentals. Buoyantly buzzing in nature, it offers an enchanting glimpse into the intoxicating experience that is Tabernis. Welcome to the Dark Hive.
Tabernis on "Tenebrae": "'Tenebrae' is the first visual approach toward the heart of the Dark Hive. It is a sanctuary of shadow, both welcoming and filled with mysteries. In this first revealed track, the melancholy fades to make room for a more rhythmic approach. The track has a steady tempo, and the balance between slowness and urgency allows you to close your eyes and let yourself be carried into your inner journey with energy and lightness. Live, 'Tenebrae' will let you move naturally, connect with others, and let go. And we keep the ritual of opening the passage: we will travel to share our music in this physical plane, to meet each other and forget our personal darkness".
Expanding their apiary with fifteen tracks, Tabernis weave pervasive compositions in sacred tradition. Setting the mood as the first call to the eternal dance is "Sanctus", a summoning of voices, a rhythmic reminder of the strength in many. Following, the duo offers an array of moody instrumentals, some buoyantly buzzing ("Tenebrae", "Sylvanot"), some pensively droning ("Noctilis")—all of them mesmerising. With "Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied)", Tabernis devote themselves to one of the most famous surviving medieval songs. Their rendition of celebrated German poet Walther von der Vogelweide's 13th-century "Palestine Song" bestows a special historicism upon Seasons Of The Dark Hive. "Hive Dance (Bransle du maître de la maison)" stands with a similar history, originating from a late medieval French dance tune. The melodies, mainly performed on only two instruments, are enriched by the subtle presence of a Dark Monk on strings and, on rare occasions, by distorted whispers and the soothing hum of bustling bees, consistently conjuring a unique atmosphere. Seasons Of The Dark Hive is an apicultural ritual, and Tabernis take the lead.
Tabernis comment: "The album Season Of The Dark Hive came to life naturally, without ever forcing anything. We let the energies that live within us come out in an authentic way, using the keys we have at our disposal. With the support of Napalm Records, we can deliver quality work and open the world of Tabernis to humans from all horizons. We drew from cultures and musical styles from all eras, from everything that has inspired us through the ages, while keeping our foundation: drum & bagpipe. This is only the beginning of the story. The energies of the seasons guide our lives and our strength, just as they do on this album".
More information about Tabernis and their Seasons Of The Dark Hive is HERE. Link
* Tabernis - Festivals 2026:
04 April - Mons / Trolls & Légendes (BE)
23 May - Leipzig / Wave-Gotik-Treffen (DE)
11–12 June - Kranichfeld / Sternenklang Festival (DE)
13 June - Holzappel / Mahlstrom Open Air (DE)
20 June - Merseburg / Schlossfestspiele Merseburg (DE)
08–09 August - Hildesheim / M'era Luna (DE)
12 September - Erfurt / Fantasypark (DE)

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