Ancient Murmurings: five songs that channelled the rebirth of paganism
It’s human nature to believe in something—to see something as bigger than ourselves, whether that’s religion, politics, or whatever helps us navigate the day. In the current climate, where there seems to be vanishingly little to believe in about the modern world, this has led to a rise in ways of thinking that challenge contemporary norms and harken back to an older, more spiritual perspective on life.
This trend is evident in the growing popularity of astrology, tarot, and witchcraft, but above all, in the renewed interest in pagan practices. The use of the word “pagan” itself is debatable, as it serves as an umbrella term for an almost limitless array of belief systems, cultures, and religions—far too vast and complex for any single article, let alone one focused on pop culture, to cover in meaningful detail.
However, the various genres of music associated with modern paganism are a perfect subject for exploration on a music website. The history of pagan-inspired music as a form of pop culture stretches back to artists like Pentangle and Fairport Convention. In the internet age, though, pagan music has evolved into a niche community so tight-knit that it can feel almost impenetrable to outsiders.
So here, we have a list of five songs to begin with. From English folk-pop to Norwegian experimental music, this is a starting point for the modern era of pagan music.
The rebirth of pagan music in 2024:
5. Katy J Pearson – ‘Willow’s Song’
We begin with a window to the past. Swindon singer-songwriter Katy J Pearson takes the most iconic song from one of the finest British horror stories ever made, Robin Hardy’s 1973 masterpiece The Wicker Man, and brings it into the 21st century. She’s not alone, though. Perhaps due to the piece appearing in an extremely memorable scene featuring Britt Ekland, the song has also been covered by artists like Doves and The Go! Team, while also being sampled by Pulp on ‘Wickerman’.
However, Pearson’s version of the piece is a centrepiece of an entire EP covering the songs of the film’s mysterious Summerisle, one that was commissioned for the film’s 50th anniversary by Studio Canal and made in collaboration with the likes of Wet Leg, H Hawkline and Sara Meth. What’s more pagan than a modern artist taking influence from the past and making it new again?
4. Goat – ‘Goatbrain’
That said, if real paganism teaches you one thing, it’s not to adhere to rules and regulations. Sweden’s very own Goat are a perfect musical example of this. An utterly independent, entirely masked band not tied down to membership or genre, their Bandcamp sets their stall out early by saying they’re “formidable psychic warriors, channelers of the mystic and proponents of a spiritual quest that transcends this realm.”
This is a track for those who see the word “pagan” and immediately think of a group of hushed folkies standing around a maypole harmonising about clouds. Goat do away with all that, the first single from their self-titled album from earlier this year showing them to be as spiritual as they are bangin’. Think Maggot Brain by way of Sun Ra with live shows that look like The Lion King musical staged at Burning Man, and you’ve got a way into this most fascinating of bands.
3. SJ Tucker – ‘Devil at the Door’
Of course, for all the highfalutin ideas of paganism as an ineffable, spiritual connection with the world, it’s also a more down-to-earth connection with your peers. More specifically, sisterhood. Inspired by the likes of Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos, SJ Tucker (Sooj to her mates) has been keeping the spirit of witchcraft alive since 1999. Making grassroots music that has taken flight online thanks to her work on Bandcamp and Patreon.
With over 14 studio records to her name and many more collaborations, curios and one-off singles, it can be difficult to know precisely where to start with such a prolific artist. This recent track, recorded for the compilation The Red Album: Pagan Voices for Reproductive Rights, is a great place to start with her vital protest music. Then, chances are she’ll be playing live somewhere near you soon, which is where the fun really begins!
2. Heilung – ‘Krigsgaldr’
If you listened to Goat and thought, “Hmm, can I have that, but weirder and more esoteric?” then buckle up because Heilung might just be your answer. Based in Copenhagen, experimental folk collective Heilun are out there even by the standards set by this list. Forget concerts—this band conducts rituals. Forget the usual instruments; this band incorporates buffalo horn rattles, Hindu ritual bells, and even literal human bones into their soundscapes.
As if that weren’t enough, forget modern languages, as well. Their tracks feature lyrics in Old English, Hurrian, and Iron Age Norwegian dialects. Whereas most bands of their ilk are trying to convert ancient ideas into a modern setting, Heilung are of the belief that reproduction is the best way of representing. Making them a vital link to the past. While they may be heading toward a hiatus, their back catalogue remains as monumental and unyielding as Atlas himself.
1. Kvitravn – ‘Wardruna’
Norwegian dark folk group Wardruna may already sound familiar to you, even if you don’t know it. One might think it’s because their music taps into a historical tradition that runs in our very blood and heritage. That they speak to a part of the human condition deeper than conscious understanding. However, it’s actually because they’ve contributed music to video games like League of Legends and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, as well as the TV series Vikings.
Their deeply atmospheric ambient sound is steeped in the history and mythology of Norse culture, but as frontman Einar Selvik explained to Ghost Cult Magazine, “This project takes inspiration from our native culture, but it is about creating something current and new.” This, like so much neo-pagan music and activism as a whole, is about bridging the ancient and the modern. Something that, arguably, Wardruna do better than anyone else in the world of dark folk music.
