Introduction
Just as writing a novel is a great medium for storytelling and creating a work of fiction. The same can be said for writing music. With this in mind, Meresburg came to fruition on the 23rd January 2021 and based in Nottingham, England. Created as an outlet to explore themes of nature, Germanic and Celtic paganism, dark folklore, and to delve into the esoteric fringes of the occult.
The name for the project ‘ Meresburg ‘ ( not to be confused with the town of Merseburg ) was chosen upon searching for images of medieval weaponry and happened upon an image of a Halberd, created for the guards of Johann Georg I of Saxony (1585–1656) as administrator of the bishopric of Meresburg. The Halberd pictured was reminiscent of the pompous and extravagant gothic aesthetic similar to that of the weaponry used by The Empire in the Games Workshop Warhammer Fantasy Battle table top game In the mid 1980’s to early 1990’s era. Being intrigued by such a weapon, it was finally decided to call the project Meresburg.
Inspiration
Hiking and experiencing the dense forests and hilly expanse of the often stormy and atmospheric English wilderness both inspires and enriches the Meresburg song writing process. Landscapes for example, that conjure up imagery of the folk horror aesthetic, reminiscent of such films as The Wicker Man and Blood On Satan’s Claw. Movies of which stimulate the imagination. As does exploring the grounds of old and extravagant Elizabethan stately homes and their well manicured gardens, often steeped in hundreds of years of history and tradition. Places upon first visiting you feel Aleister Crowley ( the self proclaimed wickedest man on the planet ) may once have walked, or Bram Stoker may have gained inspiration for his next novel.
Ancient Stone circles, such as Castlerigg Stone Circle in Keswick ( estimated to be 5000 years old). Castles and churches are also places of interest. As is European history, folklore, art, and many of the fictional books and imagery published by the dark fantasy games publisher Games Workshop and the now unfortunately defunct esoteric book publisher – Capal Bann .
Aesthetics
Artwork that was produced between the 15th and 19th century often convey far more emotion than indeed more modern works. Art will be used between this time period for all Meresburg present and future releases.
The Meresburg Logo
The Meresburg Logo was created as a reflection of its musical vision. The provocative depiction of a deer with a warriors sword imbedded inside its head, representing both the primitive rite of animal sacrifice and hunting, once deeply ingrained within Pagan lore and associated left hand path occult circles.
The Germanic triangular Valknut symbol, with 3 intertwined triangles is most often correlated with the God Odin or Wotan in modern day Germany. The Valknut often represents warriors killed in combat and can be seen on the tombs of the slain. The Horned God symbol, used in witchcraft, is the representation of masculine energy, honor and strength. The Triple Spiral, or Triskelion found carved in Neolithic stones all over Ireland and western Europe, is regarded as the three Celtic realms of earth, sea, and sky. The Spiral Goddess, a representation of the female form as an embodiment of power.
The Future
A Journey Upon Ancient Lands was released in the summer of 2021 and two new albums are currently in the process of being written and recorded. Both albums will have their own unique style and theme by combining the pagan elements of a Journey Upon Ancient Lands with a darker esoteric bent. Musically, Meresburg will be spreading its wings. The new albums will venture into the realm of the self coined term ‘Luciferian Pagan Metal’, complete with vocals, poetic lyrics and dual guitar leads, all backed by rhythmic percussion. Both albums will be released in CD format and new t-shirt designs in support will follow. Both albums are scheduled to be released later in 2024.
Do as thou wilt, as a great god can,
O Pan ! Io Pan !
Io pan ! Io Pan Pan ! Iam awake
In the grip of the snake.
Aleister Crowley – Hymn To Pan (1919)
Meresburg 