The Moon Lay Hidden Beneath a Cloud
| Company type | Musical duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Albin Julius, Alzbeth |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Austria |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, compilations |
The Moon Lay Hidden Beneath a Cloud was a musical duo from Austria, composed of Albin Julius and Alzbeth. Their artistic output demonstrated a pronounced interest in European medieval culture, integrating aspects such as ceremonial rituals, ecclesiastical chants, and rural traditions.
Overview
Their sound combined contemporary electronic techniques, including tape loops and samplers, with traditional medieval instruments like the hurdy-gurdy, shawm, and Hexenscheit. Alzbeth took on lead vocal duties, delivering traditional pieces in ancient tongues such as Middle High German, Latin, and Old French, while Julius provided distorted and supporting vocals.
Performances were frequently staged in historical venues such as ancient churches, castles, medieval prisons, and theaters that complemented their rigid, militaristic aesthetic.
In the early phase of their career, the group maintained a low profile by only listing a Swiss mailing address within their album sleeves, seldom performing live or engaging in interviews. Their tracks were never officially named. Following their dissolution, both artists became more visible and issued promotional photographs.
Each successive release explored deeper into European historical themes, evolving towards a more martial, choral, and grandiose style that reached its peak with their final album, the World War II-themed The Smell of Blood but Victory (1997).
The partnership ended in 1998 without producing further recordings. All their releases appeared on their own Arthur's Round Table label and were distributed through World Serpent Distribution.
Post-Split
Around the time The Smell of Blood but Victory was issued, Julius initiated work under his side project Der Blutharsch, which became his main focus after the duo's breakup. He has performed live shows and released Der Blutharsch renditions of TMLHBAC compositions originally intended for that project.
Alzbeth launched an official TMLHBAC website and revealed intentions to publish material from her personal musical projects.
In 2000, after the duo parted ways, Alzbeth released a hardcover book bound in cloth presenting lyrics, photographs, and historical context connected to the band's work.
Following the collapse of World Serpent Distribution in 2004—which caused the band's catalogue to go out of print—Alzbeth announced plans alongside Julius to reissue their previous recordings.
Albin Julius died on May 4, 2022.
Albums and EPs
| Year | Title | Format, Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | The Moon Lay Hidden Beneath a Cloud | CD |
| 1994 | Amara tanta tyri | CD |
| 1995 | A New Soldier Follows the Path of a New King | CD |
| 1995 | Kostnice | 7" |
| 1996 | Yndalongg | 10" |
| 1996 | Were You of Silver, Were You of Gold? | 12"/CD |
| 1996 | Madhr | 7" |
| 1996 | A Night in Fear | MCD, featuring Deutsch Nepal. |
| 1997 | Untitled | 7" |
| 1997 | The Smell of Blood but Victory | 2xCD box set including a 5" CD and poster; limited to 2000 copies. Disc 1 was later reissued. |
| 1999 | Rest on Your Arms Reversed | CD compilation containing limited edition releases, bonus tracks, various compilations, and unreleased songs. |
Compilations
| Year | Title | Format and Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Knights of Abyss | CD |
| 1996 | ON: The World and Everything in It | CD |
| 1996 | Palace of Worms | CD |
| 1996 | Terra Serpentes | Double CD |
Other
| Year | Title | Format and Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | The Book of Lyrics | Hardcover, cloth-bound edition. Limited print run of 777 copies. |
See also
Official
- Official website for The Moon Lay Hidden Beneath a Cloud (http://totem-records.com/art/band.htm: inaccessible as of 07.03.08)