Empyrium
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Markus Stock, Andreas Bach |
| Headquarters | Germany |
| Products | Symphonic folk, doom metal, neofolk, dark folk music |
Empyrium is a German band initially known for symphonic folk and doom metal, which later evolved into neofolk and dark folk styles.
History
Established in 1994 by Markus Stock (also known as Ulf Theodor Schwadorf) alongside Andreas Bach, Empyrium has seen a rotating lineup of musicians throughout its existence.
The group’s creative inspiration frequently stems from nature, often aligning them with genres such as dark folk or apocalyptic folk, similar to artists like Forseti, Orplid, and Ulver (notably their Kveldssanger album). In parallel with the Norwegian black metal project Burzum, Empyrium utilized artwork by Theodor Kittelsen for the cover of their album Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays.
Metal era
Their initial releases—A Wintersunset, Songs of Moors and Misty Fields, and the demo ...Der wie ein Blitz vom Himmel fiel...—are grounded in a fusion of doom metal and folk metal. These works combine aggressive and operatic male vocals with deliberate guitar riffs and atmospheric soundscapes.
Acoustic period
The subsequent two albums, Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays and Weiland, transitioned towards acoustic arrangements. Featuring instruments such as acoustic guitars, violins, cellos, and flutes, these records emphasize a stronger neofolk presence. Operatic singing remains prominent, with Weiland also including choral parts and piano accompaniment. This phase represents a shift away from metal toward more somber, melancholic folk music.
Hiatus
After releasing Weiland in 2002, the band halted new recordings. Schwadorf remarked:
Since 1994, Empyrium has delved into nature-inspired mysticism, and after eight years we decided to conclude this chapter magnificently with "Weiland" before moving forward.
A Retrospective
In August 2006, their record label Prophecy Productions revealed plans for a November release titled A Retrospective. This compilation includes ten remastered tracks, a newly recorded version of The Franconian Woods In Winter's Silence from A Wintersunset, along with two fresh neofolk compositions: Der Weiher and Am Wolkenstieg. A comprehensive sixty-page booklet accompanies the album, chronicling the band’s musical journey.
Reunion
On 17 September 2010, both Prophecy Productions and Schwadorf confirmed Empyrium’s reunion and intentions to produce new material, as well as participate in the label’s compilation Whom The Moon A Nightsong Sings.
We are excited to announce that Empyrium, Prophecy’s flagship act, has reunited to create new music! Schwadorf stated: "Empyrium is active once again! Our initial new track will be 'The Days Before The Fall' featured on the Prophecy compilation 'Whom The Moon A Nightsong Sings'. We have plans for additional songs but are not rushing a full-length album. Our goal is to craft exceptional, distinctive pieces that remain faithful to Empyrium’s essence."
Discography
Demos
- ...Der wie ein Blitz vom Himmel fiel... (1995)
Studio albums
- A Wintersunset... (1996)
- Songs of Moors and Misty Fields (1997)
- Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays (1999)
- Weiland (2002)
- The Turn of the Tides (2014)
- Über den Sternen (2021)
EPs
- Drei Auszüge aus Weiland (2002)
- Dead Winter Ways (2013)
- The Mill (2015)
Compilation albums
- A Retrospective... (2006)
- A Retrospective... (boxed set, 2006)
- Whom the Moon a Nightsong Sings (contributing artist, 2010)
- 1994–2014 (boxed set, 2014)
Live albums
- Into the Pantheon (2013)
- Bochum | Christuskirche | 2012 (2013)
Line-up
- Ulf Theodor Schwadorf (vocals, guitar, bass, drums, percussion); Andreas Bach (keyboards)
- Ulf Theodor Schwadorf; Andreas Bach; Nadine Moelter (flute)
- Ulf Theodor Schwadorf; Andreas Bach; Nadine Moelter; Thomas Helm (harmonizing vocals)
- Ulf Theodor Schwadorf; Thomas Helm; guest musicians (featured on Weiland)
See also
- Noekk, a reunion project involving members of Empyrium
- The Vision Bleak
- Nachtmahr
External links
- German folk metal musical groups
- German black metal musical groups
- German doom metal musical groups
- Neofolk music groups
- Musical groups established in 1994
- Musical groups disbanded in 2006
- Musical groups reformed in 2010
- 1994 establishments in Germany
- 2006 disestablishments in Germany
- 2010 establishments in Germany
- Musical groups disestablished in 2006