Ethereal folk duo TABERNIS step boldly into the past with their evocative new single, “Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied)”, offering listeners a haunting glimpse into their forthcoming debut album, Seasons of the Dark Hive, set for release on April 24 via Napalm Records.
With this latest track, TABERNIS draw directly from history, reinterpreting the iconic 13th-century “Palästinalied”, originally composed by celebrated German poet Walther von der Vogelweide. As one of the most well-preserved and recognized medieval songs, the piece carries deep cultural weight—something the duo approach with both reverence and creative ambition. Their version transforms the classic into a shadowy, immersive soundscape, blending ancient melody with their distinct, ritualistic aesthetic.
Watch the official video for “Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied)”
Speaking on the single, the band explains:
“We have covered the instrumental version of this iconic medieval masterpiece, which is known to everyone. Out of deep respect for the original work, we decided to adapt it to our own style. In our version, the music is interwoven with a text evoking the season of our Dark Hive: Vespera — the rest, the twilight. As the cold covers the land, the bees huddle together to protect their Queen and preserve the heart of the hive.”
“Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied)” showcases TABERNIS’ core identity, where history, mysticism, and nature intertwine. Driven by the raw, organic textures of bagpipes and davul, the track captures a sense of ancient ritual, echoing through time with a modern, atmospheric intensity.
The single serves as a gateway into Seasons of the Dark Hive, an ambitious debut that expands on the duo’s fascination with medieval culture and the symbolic world of beekeeping. Across fifteen tracks, TABERNIS craft a cohesive, otherworldly journey, one that moves between meditative instrumentals and ceremonial invocations. From the choral pull of opening track “Sanctus” to the droning depths of “Noctilis” and the historical resonance of “Hive Dance (Bransle du maître de la maison)”, the album promises a richly layered listening experience.
At its core, Seasons of the Dark Hive is less a traditional record and more an apicultural ritual, an exploration of cycles, survival, and collective strength. Subtle elements like whispered textures, humming drones, and the presence of a “Dark Monk” on strings further deepen the album’s immersive quality, creating a sonic world that feels both ancient and alive.
TABERNIS describe the album’s creation as an organic process:
“The album came to life naturally, without ever forcing anything. We let the energies that live within us come out in an authentic way… We drew from cultures and musical styles from all eras, while keeping our foundation: drum and bagpipe. This is only the beginning of the story.”
Having already captivated audiences at major festivals such as Wacken and Summer Breeze Open Air with their debut EP, TABERNIS continue to build momentum with a growing international following. Their live performances—equal parts ritual and concert, translate the Dark Hive’s mystique into a communal, visceral experience.
With Seasons of the Dark Hive, TABERNIS invite listeners into a shadowed world where ancient melodies endure, nature reigns, and unity is survival. Amidst the hum of the hive, one truth becomes clear: you are never alone.
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