For the latest Bacchus release I decided to draw from the deep well of legend and folklore associated with the bands - and my own - native soil of Ireland. Beyond the romantic veneer of "Celtic" heritage that is often hijacked and regurgitated for export within popular culture, there are darker and stronger currents that run beneath our feet.
The front cover is a depiction of the Cailleach - an archetypal winter goddess in Gaelic culture, and a manifestation of the Crone archetype most commonly associated with themes of death and decay. The Cailleach is said to possess only one eye, a common feature of many divine figures. She is said to herd deer, which are also sacred to her. She is associated with stone and mountain, and in many respects is a personification of the dark, long winters endured by our ancestors in which survival was not assured.
Winter yields to Spring and Summer of course, yet the Cailleach must also be appeased during these times. The rear illustration, a ritual "crown" comprised of antlers and tied with wheat stalks, is a creative derivation of the "corn hags" that were created and cared for by a member of the community during the agricultural year; a ritualistic act of folk magick by means of respect. In this the crone is a constant reminder of the cycles of nature to which we are all subject, and have perhaps forgotten to appease...
The front cover is a depiction of the Cailleach - an archetypal winter goddess in Gaelic culture, and a manifestation of the Crone archetype most commonly associated with themes of death and decay. The Cailleach is said to possess only one eye, a common feature of many divine figures. She is said to herd deer, which are also sacred to her. She is associated with stone and mountain, and in many respects is a personification of the dark, long winters endured by our ancestors in which survival was not assured.
Winter yields to Spring and Summer of course, yet the Cailleach must also be appeased during these times. The rear illustration, a ritual "crown" comprised of antlers and tied with wheat stalks, is a creative derivation of the "corn hags" that were created and cared for by a member of the community during the agricultural year; a ritualistic act of folk magick by means of respect. In this the crone is a constant reminder of the cycles of nature to which we are all subject, and have perhaps forgotten to appease...
Awesome.
ReplyDeleteVery nice!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely beautiful. The band is new to me, and they sound good. The combination of sound and visuals has me excited for the final package. Thank you for the great food for the eyes.
ReplyDeletethis is exquisite glyn - you've created a strong atmosphere which is such a hard thing to do. would love art prints of these.
ReplyDeleteI love those trees!
ReplyDeleteI would buy a print of this for sure, great work Glyn.
ReplyDeleteYou're the best.
ReplyDelete