HeathenStorm

The personal website of Daryl ‘HeathenStorm’ Parson. An eclectic mix of old creativity and new endeavours. Very much under construction.

If you’re wondering who this person is, check the ‘About‘ page.

HEATHENSTORM PRODUCTIONS
Serving the Music Industry

Orphan - Now Filming — ORPHAN
Now Filming

Creations — CREATIONS
Music, Writing, Photography, Film, more

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A few photos snapped at a sneaky sold-out sojourn

A few photos snapped at a sneaky sold-out sojourn to watch Wolvennest at the weekend. With the Cinema venue in Aalst, Belgium hosting a very special show indeed.

Openers Nachtmaer, a side project of locals Kludde, showcased a succession of singers. Howling Black Metal both atmospheric and primitive, appealing muchly to an already-eager crowd.

Atmosphere of a more psychedlic ilk with Wolvennest, defying the outside chill and debuting new bassist VaathV. An extended set covering all aspects of their illustrious back catalogue melted my mind in pure rapture.

Although I kept my movements secret for various nefarious reasons, it was great to surprise dear friends on the night. Rewarded as I was by the headliners’ best performance yet.

#aalst #blackmetal #cinema #kludde #livemusic #metal #music @nachtmaer666 #psychedelic #vaath @wlvnnst

Onto the Next Chapter With the festive baubles pa

Onto the Next Chapter

With the festive baubles packed away and the first proper week of the year ahead, I prepare to get back on track to tackle the next twelve months.

Many folk scoff at the concept of ‘starting afresh’ when the calendar flips over to January. That the New Year is just another day, or not even the proper date, so why bother?

But the end of the year is traditionally a time when there’s little else going on. Ample opportunity to finish up projects and take a moment out for self-reflection. Working out what doesn’t work and planning ahead for what does.

Accountability is vital in all endeavours, and there’s something to be said about scribbling these thoughts out for real. Carving a physical presence on paper. Embedding ideas in ink. As they gain permanence without, so do they hold steadfast within.

For the fifth year now, I entrust my journaling to the Cosmoplanner. Created by renowned international photographer Ester Segerra, this book offers astrological inspiration across the Moon and Mercury cycles. Asking pertinent questions at key moments, acknowledging time to take pause, and forming a framework for creative fulfilment.

Some aspects of the process don’t apply to me, and I lost track a tad last year; but I’ve still found it an invaluable tool to chart the course of my life with consistency.

#2025 #astrology #cosmoplanner #estersegarra #journal #mercury #moon #newyear #tradition #writing

While randomly trawling the streaming apps after N

While randomly trawling the streaming apps after New Year’s exuberance, I happened upon psychedelic sci-fi thriller Cosmic Dawn (2022). Allegedly inspired by the experiences of writer and director Jefferson Moneo, this Canadian production is captivating from the get-go.

Lost and yearning, Aurora (Camille Rowe) is a troubled woman. Haunted from childhood by the unusual disappearance of her mother on the Blood Moon, she self-medicates in a fugue of nightclub narcotics. Wandering aimlessly after hospitalisation, she is drawn by hallucinations to an esoteric bookstore – Equinox. (A cheeky nod to Jimmy Page.)

There she is introduced to the ‘Cosmic Dawn’ cult, and their leader Elyse (Antonia Zegers). A collective of alien abduction witnesses from around the world, each sharing a similar experience.

Invited to the cult’s underground compound in the wilderness, Aurora is drawn into their charismatic kindness and rainbow overalls as they imprint on her a sense of belonging. Her reality reprogrammed (or revealed?) by starvation, tests of faith, and shamanic plant medicine. One emotive scene contrasts the cold extasis of her former life with the tactile warmth of the cult’s collective sing-along.

Playing on this dissonance, the film delivers a dual narrative. Existing in the now, and four years later after inevitable tragedy breaks the covenant. Characters are introduced out of expected order as we see how the survivors return to the outside world.

(Continued in comments)

#alienabduction #bloodmoon #canadian #cosmicdawn #cult #equinox #movie #psychedelic #review #scifi #synth

The Year that radicalised me Although I knew ther

The Year that radicalised me

Although I knew there were challenges ahead as the world ticked into 2024, I had no expectation of the struggles that would manifest from week one. Launching straight into the Mentors tour as festive fireworks still echoed was hardly the wisest timing; but through grit, good humour, and the able help of the Witchfinder, we made it a success.

With barely time to confirm venues and announce the Diocletian tour, a prolonged and vicious assault against my work began. Open threats made due to my association with Solstice soon impacted business outside the band. AI-generated screeds of anonymous accusation and outright fabrication risked cancellation of the entire tour. I thank the venues and promoters who saw these empty words for what they were – rewarded by sell-out shows across the country – and regret that others were so easily swayed despite our well-reasoned and oft-repeated rebuke.

Courage tested, and hesitant at the hand dealt my way in spite, I had no choice but to step up and stand against such petty subterfuge. Backing down is never an option, however tempting an easy life, and through stubborn resilience I found a notable shift in my friendships.

Those previously silent spoke in confidence, offering much needed words of support and deeds of decency – agreeing in areas of contention and respecting the right to disagree when not. Even as other promoters, in self-righteous convenience, colluded to run me out of their tiny fiefdoms.

Chatlogs from not-so-private ‘activist’ groups made for grim reading. My name, and those of my friends, fervently smeared by strangers. Contriving enemies across irrelevant and incorrect political divides for the sake of age-old grudges.

[Continued in comments]

#2024 #abysmalgrief #deitus #destroyer666 #diocletian #livemusic #heathenstormproductions #mentors #music #newmoonincapricorn #newyear #orphan #prophecyfest #prophecyproductions #roundup #solstice #tour

New Site, same as the Old Site. Despite lurking f

There are no coincidences when one seeks synchroni

There are no coincidences when one seeks synchronicity; and it seemed appropriate that @solstice.englander ’s Finland jaunt would manifest around the Autumn Equinox. Coming at the end of a tremendously successful Summer, our mini-tour with @cardinalsfolly closed the season with a long weekend of cathartic mayhem.

It was the first time in Finland for both the band and myself. The will to visit always high in intent but not so much in opportunity. A country of profound beauty, with the 1000km journey through Tampere, Turku and Jyväskylä endlessly embellished by vast forests and countless lakes. Yet many tales have been told of the Finnish people’s reticence, that perhaps the response may be polite and reserved by nature of such calming surrounds.

Such speculation could not be further from the truth. For each night, sold out or near capacity, we were greeted by the warm, wild response of maniacs eager to sing along to every word. Raising their fists and banging their heads in abandon.

It was not just the natives that came to lend their steel; with fans from Italy, France and Sweden flying up to share the party and surf the crowd. Making the most of civilised late-late licensing hours, many conversations were had with friends old and new. Inspired by a sincere sense of community and mutual appreciation that transcends and transgresses boundaries.

We offered something special in return, looking back to Lamentations and even Isen Torr for a few choice cuts from the archives. It was an absolute pleasure to assault the audience with nine minutes of Mighty and Superior machine-gun bass through the rebirth of ‘Englander’. Only the Strong indeed…

[continued in comments]

#autumnequinox #doommetal #finland #heavymetal #isentorr #livemusic #metal #metalwarning #music #tour

Only one week remains until @solstice.englander pl

Only one week remains until @solstice.englander play three long-awaited shows in Finland, with support from pagan sons @cardinalsfolly. Tickets have been selling fast across the tour, with venues already close to capacity and likely to sell out. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

For these dates we present an exclusive Finnish tourdate shirt in both white and black. Only limited numbers have been printed, and are available for 25 Euro apiece while stocks last. Email lord_orgasmatron(at)yahoo.com to secure yours, and pick up at any of the shows.

Nähdään siellä!

Friday 20th September – Varjorbaari, Tampere
Saturday 21st September – Nirvana, Turku
Sunday 22nd September – Poppari, Jyväskylä

More information and ticket links at heathenstorm.com

#solstice #metal #epicmetal #heavymetal #music #livemusic #tour #finland #metalwarning #cardinalsfolly #merchandise

With just over a week before @solstice.englander f

With just over a week before @solstice.englander fly out to Finland, and life outside the band likewise refusing to slow down; I take brief pause to reflect on a wonderful weekend in and around Balver Höhle.

Prophecy Fest has always been a unique affair. Expertly curating an eclectic line-up of bands beyond the usual expectations of Extreme Metal. Personal highlights would have to be incendiary performances by both @perchta.band and @dymnalotvaband – band of the weekend to both neck and ears. Wild noise and feminine fury contrasted by such as the acoustic introspection of @empyrium_official_ – performing the entirety of “Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays” to a rapt audience moved by earnest, well-earned integrity; and of course @wolcensmen at the warm-up.

As for our own set, delivered without apology or compromise, I feel we carried ourselves well. Playing to many who may not be aware of our intent, a quintet of classics offered appropriate introduction – even as we meticulously work on new material for the forthcoming album. The many fists raised and cheers resounding throughout the cave prove our purpose found its place.

Joining the Prophecy family was a daunting prospect; with the tropes of Heavy Metal seeming cliched and primitive against such sophisticated, multi-textured soundscapes. Rather than cower intimidated, I choose to take this as vital inspiration to evolve and grow as an artist. To embrace and explore how these different styles may complement each other, rather than compete in the trite posturing and insecure blather of smaller circles.

(Continued in comments)

#music #livemusic #metal #heavymetal #neofolk #prophecyfest #balverhöhle #prophecyproductions @prophecypro

After many setbacks and scheduling conflicts, I am

After many setbacks and scheduling conflicts, I am pleased to announce the start of live-action filming for my long-delayed sci-fi short / music video concept – ORPHAN. Initially approached by local band Dawn of Elysium for a simple lyric video, the scope of the project soon demanded greater ambition. A mini-movie invoking a grim future of urban isolation, alternate timelines, and the search for belonging.

The lead role is played by Russian-born ballerina and ice skater, Aida Knight. As the eponymous Orphan, she brings an emotional depth and sincerity to the role that exceeds all expectations. With willingness to improvise, experiment, and embrace the physicality of the story, Aida’s presence is a vital foundation towards making it all happen. I am thrilled to have her on board.

The first batch of exterior shots are already in the can, spliced together with previously-shot band footage in an assembly cut. Filming took place at Allen Brickworks near Halifax, a site lauded previously as the “Chernobyl of the North” and ideal for such cyberpunk shenanigans. Overgrown as it is, keying out “Nature’s Greenscreen” has been a worthy challenge, replacing foliage with Brutalist backdrops more suited to the oppressive dystopia of the story. Initial effects work has been far more successful than anticipated, with placeholders to be updated accordingly and graded into the final cut.

With able Production Assistance and on-set advice from video game artist Helen Richardson; I am grateful beyond measure to gather a passionate, enthusiastic creative crew to bring this project to fruition – and hopefully many more to come.

There is no Tomorrow, so we do what we will Today.

#allenbrickworks #cyberpunk #dawnofelysium #filmmaking #musicvideo #orphan #sciencefiction #bladerunneronabudget

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Latest Posts

Wolvennest / Nachtmaer – Aalst

A few photos snapped at a sneaky sold-out sojourn to watch Wolvennest at the weekend. With the Cinema venue in Aalst, Belgium hosting a very special show indeed. Openers Nachtmaer, a side project of locals Kludde, showcased a succession of singers. Howling Black Metal both atmospheric and primitive, appealing muchly to an already-eager crowd. Atmosphere…
[Read More]

Photography

January 15, 2025
Onto the Next Chapter

With the festive baubles packed away and the first proper week of the year ahead, I prepare to get back on track to tackle the next twelve months. Many folk scoff at the concept of ‘starting afresh’ when the calendar flips over to January. That the New Year is just another day, or not even…
[Read More]

Blog

January 6, 2025
Cosmic Dawn (2022)

While randomly trawling the streaming apps after New Year’s exuberance, I happened upon psychedelic sci-fi thriller Cosmic Dawn (2022). Allegedly inspired by the experiences of writer and director Jefferson Moneo, this Canadian production is captivating from the get-go. Lost and yearning, Aurora (Camille Rowe) is a troubled woman. Haunted from childhood by the unusual disappearance…
[Read More]

Reviews

January 1, 2025
The Year that radicalised me

Although I knew there were challenges ahead as the world ticked into 2024, I had no expectation of the struggles that would manifest from week one. Launching straight into the Mentors tour as festive fireworks still echoed was hardly the wisest timing; but through grit, good humour, and the able help of the Witchfinder, we…
[Read More]

Blog

December 31, 2024
New Site, same as the Old Site

Despite lurking for years within the dark recesses of the internet, the HeathenStorm website has never been formally “announced” until now. Originally hacked together on a default WordPress install for tour promotion, it has been painstakingly recreated from scratch as a self-contained theme. Ensuring site upgrades and maintenance won’t cause as many headaches in the…
[Read More]

Blog

December 23, 2024
Infidels to the World

With everything else going on these past weeks, it’s quite possible some may have missed the BBC World Service “In the Studio” report on Tehran-formed Black Metal infidels TRIVAX. Reporter Sahar Zand deftly places the band’s emergence on the international stage in context with the Iranian “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement. A people tyrannised by decades…
[Read More]

HeathenStorm Productions

November 13, 2024
Hooves on English Soil

‘Wolfs-head!’ shall be cried against him, for that a wolf is a beast hated of all folk; and from that time forward it is lawful for anyone to slay him like a wolf. Very pleased to reveal a (relatively) tiny three-minute teaser of new Solstice material. Painstakingly crafted in preparation for our Prophecy Productions debut,…
[Read More]

Solstice

November 7, 2024
Tabula Rasa

After many seasons since the original EP, the time is right to return to Trismegistus Hex. With a change of focus and line-up from the initial scope, the project will now encompass musical meanderings and experiments beyond the expectations of Ritual Ambience. Yet no less magickal of intent. The old concepts have been cast aside,…
[Read More]

Trismegistus Hex

November 1, 2024
Triumph in Turku

The midpoint of the recent Solstice Finland tour, the entirety of the Turku set was captured for posterity by YouTube user Tyggerghast. Playing to a packed out Nirvana club on the 21st of September, the Saturday crowd was treated to quite possibly one of our best shows yet. Although I feel I could have personally…
[Read More]

Solstice

September 27, 2024
Väinämöinen’s Song

There are no coincidences when one seeks synchronicity; and it seemed appropriate that Solstice’s Finland jaunt would manifest around the Autumn Equinox. Coming at the end of a tremendously successful Summer, our mini-tour with Cardinals Folly closed the season with a long weekend of cathartic mayhem. It was the first time in Finland for both…
[Read More]

Solstice

September 25, 2024
Seitsemän päivää Suomeen

Only one week remains until Solstice play three long-awaited shows in Finland, with support from pagan sons Cardinals Folly. Tickets have been selling fast across the tour, with venues already close to capacity and likely to sell out. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. For these dates we present an exclusive Finnish tourdate shirt in…
[Read More]

Solstice

September 13, 2024
Cave of Wonder

With just over a week before Solstice fly out to Finland, and life outside the band likewise refusing to slow down; I take brief pause to reflect on a wonderful weekend in and around Balver Höhle. Prophecy Fest has always been a unique affair. Expertly curating an eclectic line-up of bands beyond the usual expectations…
[Read More]

Blog • Solstice

September 11, 2024