Album Review: Faun – Hex (Pagan Folk Records)

Pagan folk band Faun will release their brand-new album ‘Hex’ on September 5th via Pagan Folk Records. This twelfth studio album by Faun is about witches, female healers and wise women. Far away from the cliché of the evil fairytale witch, the German ensemble aim to highlight the various aspects of female magic in different cultures and the legitimate question why we still fear the evil witches instead of the people who burned them.

The album title Hex is derived from “Hexe” German: witch / ahd. ‘Hagazussa’ (= the one who walks between the worlds).

As boundary pushing as ever, Faun’s pagan folk sound continues to evolve in interesting ways and through sheer determination, they make it more accessible than ever.

Dictated, but not controlled, by the vocals of Oliver Satyr and Laura Fella, Faun’s magic comes from this paring, where the duo’s synchronicity leaves a lasting impression. Putting it simply, they create many beautiful moments with just their voices across the album.

Of course, as harmonious as their voices are, the music is just as important, but perhaps it’s the way in which Faun explores different eras and styles that leaves the lasting impression. A major part of this album is themed around witches (the non-traditional kind) in different cultures and with that comes a variety of sonic palettes. Which sits comfortably alongside Celtic and Anglo-Saxo inspirations. This wide-ranging and dynamic focus allows Faun to really utilise a number of unique instruments, such as the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, lute, bowl fiddle, harp and flute with modern synthesisers, beats and more.

There’s a modern potency to Faun’s sound too, which might seem in direct contrast to the folk soundscape they offer, but once you hear the record, you’ll understand it. Faun’s ability to immerse the listener in time periods, immerse the listener in a culture, and immerse a listener in a mindset is unparalleled, but their ability to be anthemic is so important too, and that is where the modern side of things comes into play. It’s a stunning marriage and showcases an array brilliant efforts.

Brilliant efforts like the powerful Belladonna, an Irish folk song with rockier guitars, and the potently poppy Nimue (which features Chelsea Wolfe). Transfixing efforts like the Germanic tones of Blot, where Heilung fans will feel right at home, the melodic dreaminess of Lady Isobel, and the infectiousness of Black Eyed Dog, a cover of a song by singer & songwriter Nick Drake.

Then there is Vals, an instrumental folk dance song that puts the flute front and centre, the dramatic Ylfa Sphere which is based on an Old English spell from the 11th century, the haunting Hare Spell, which is based on a spell recorded by Isobel Gowdie during a witch trial in Scotland in 1662 and features gorgeous vocals, and Alfar, a finale filled with folk power.

Faun filled with vibrancy, Faun in their element, Faun filled with interesting ideas, and Faun delivering some of their best music to date. Liable to turn more heads then just those with a taste for folk.

Faun – Hex Track Listing:

1. Belladonna
2. Lament
3. Nimue
4. Blot
5. Zauberin
6. Lady Isobel
7. Black Eyed Dog
8. Vals
9. Ylfa Spere
10. Hare Spell
11. Umay
12. Alfar

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