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 Populace of Plastic People In the 2013 TV speci

Detaching from SocMed It has become the fashion f

Detaching from SocMed

It has become the fashion for folk to announce, very publicly and performatively, their departure from current Social Media accounts. Moving on to other sites, or even switching off entirely, due to changes of company ownership and the incessant swing of the political pendulum.

Protesting against the new regime, they isolate themselves against loss of agency. Under the lurking threat of censorship, shadowbanning, cancellation or worse for daring different thoughts to the trend of the time.

Most know me from the music industry and other creative endeavours, but I also sustain a decades-long interest in technology’s cultural impact. Occasionally dabbling in a very sensible software career between the fun stuff, but always aware of the patterns and paradigms that influence how we reach across the æther.

The next few posts, although a tad niche to the layperson, represent a ‘Digital Manifesto’ of sorts. A means to reclaim freedom from SocMed, but in no way intended to replace vital real-world contact.

I use the portmanteau “SocMed” deliberately to define both the mechanics of Social Media and the collectivism which has evolved around it. A contraction to evoke Orwellian Newspeak, and a reminder that words have precisely the power we grant them.

Despite the ubiquity of the great distraction, there was a time before all of this. Through reflecting on the promise of the Internet that was, I propose another way to sustain an independent online presence. An alternative which can work with newer technologies, retaining the ability to connect and communicate across such despised streams without undermining individual integrity…

… and, by necessity, I did it over a year ago.

(Continued in comments)

#censorship #community #culture #digitalmanifesto #freedom #newspeak #orwell #socialmedia #technology #website

Braving the thorny shutdown of London’s Heathrow

Braving the thorny shutdown of London’s Heathrow Airport a week ago, I recently travelled to Dortmund by way of Düsseldorf on very little sleep. Awaiting an evening in attendance of Austrian Black Metal / Neofolk veterans (and fellow Prophecy labelmates) Dornenreich‘s recent Arcane Ceremonies acoustic tour.

Hosted in the atmospheric surrounds of Dortmund’s Pauluskirche, the Saturday service was certain to be something special, even as we stepped in from the somewhat urban Schützenstraße under fading daylight. The power of church architecture to draw focus away from the mundane and into the spiritual is never to be underestimated. A suitable match for the music of the night.

Sadly, original supports Perchta were unable to make the tour. Instead, we were treated to a captivating performance by fellow Austrians Vinsta. Originally a solo project by Perchta’s dulcimerist Moosemandl, a full band politely stepped up to deliver an acoustic set no less electrifying for the lack of amplification.

With the hammered dulcimer featuring strongly in Vinsta’s compositions, I was taken aback at how such a traditional instrument could sound thoroughly modern in the right hands. Progressive compositions and themes drew my interest, reinforced by tender, delicate violin. A fine replacement indeed.

[Continued in comments]

#acoustic #arcaneceremonies #church #dornenreich #dortmund #germany #livemusic #melimelancholia #music #neofolk #pauluskirche #perchta #prophecyproductions #vinsta #photography #reviews

@dornenreich_official @vinsta_official @perchta.band @meli_melancholia

The ORPHAN shoot continues with a trip to the Acad

The ORPHAN shoot continues with a trip to the Academy of Live Technology in Yorkshire. There we hosted an ‘Introduction to Film Making’ Workshop for the students’ Enrichment Week.
 The session opened with an introduction to the project and sneak preview of the storyboard, then covered inspirations and techniques to balance big ideas with a low budget.
 With a reasonable ramble through my own experiences before explaining the expectations of film extra work, the group relocated to a campus backlot to put theory into practice. Together we tackled a scene where the title character emerges from a crowded mass of people.
 Although only a handful of students could attend, we were able to make it work through multiple takes and creative composition. Swapping hats and hoodies between shots and overlaying the end result.
 The raw footage has been roughly graded, keyed, and incorporated into the assembly cut with a simple background, to be refined once other elements are complete. Most importantly, Aida’s performance captures the intent and determination required of the scene. An essential humanity shining through all the technical trickery to get it there.
 Tremendous gratitude to faculty for allowing this to happen, and especially to everyone who turned up.
 We will call again…

#academyoflivetechnology #cyberpunk #enrichment #filmmaking #orphan #sciencefiction #workshop

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

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Latest Posts

Nymåne Fødelsdag

Wishing the very best of Birthdays to Valr Kjósa. Shadowmother, Stormcrow, and shaker of all things acoustic in Trismegistus Hex. As her special day falls upon the New Moon this year, we are reminded that Gemini season is definitely upon us. Reinforcing the themes of duality present in our work. Ever creative, Valr has recently…
[Read More]

Trismegistus Hex

June 6, 2024
To Dream among the Spires of the Earth

With two weeks to go until the annual Alpine pilgrimage to Neudegg Alm and the House of the Holy gathering, I reflect upon one of my rare dabbles into journalism. Back in 2017, the festival had changed. Previously known as ‘Funkenflug’, this year would have it renamed to the current form, and with it a…
[Read More]

Writing

June 5, 2024
Cult Italian Horror Metal!

A short video to promote the upcoming ‘Compulsive Necrophilia‘ tour, exhuming Italian Funeral Cultists ABYSMAL GRIEF into the UK this July. Main support for this leg will be from PANTHEÏST, with local Doom acts opening each bill. Together they’ll take in Bristol, Manchester and Brighton before the headliners return to Europe and onwards to Metal…
[Read More]

HeathenStorm Productions • Video

June 4, 2024
End of Vortex

It is sad in recent weeks to learn of the sudden and permanent closure of Wakefield’s Vortex Bar and Nightclub. Having put on a few shows in recent times, and playing there myself with Solstice, I was immediately impressed by the quality of both sound and staging. A professional, talented crew always worked hard with…
[Read More]

Blog • HeathenStorm Productions

June 3, 2024
Battles on the brink of War

The dust has settled on the English leg of the DIOCLETIAN tour. Five dates of utter devastation across the country. Filling venues to capacity almost every night, with those who missed out eager for more. Ending the tour with the debut UK performance of ABRAXXUM was an inspired conclusion, but each and every show delivered…
[Read More]

Blog • Diocletian

May 7, 2024
Abraxxum Rising

With the DIOCLETIAN tour selling out across the UK, we’ve saved a little treat for the final show in Birmingham. Discordant, dissonant, and utterly compelling, we present ABRAXXUM. Occult Power Electronics and Ritual Darkness. A rare (if only) opportunity to witness their Great Work. The Steel Jaws of Choronzom close tight.
[Read More]

Diocletian

May 1, 2024
Storming the Castle

DIOCLETIAN and TRIVAX are now in the country, and the campaign is very much underway. Tonight the iron fist lays siege to Newcastle, with the bands set up and ready to destroy. We are well on our way to a full house tonight. An auspicious start to the tour and one well earned.
[Read More]

Diocletian

April 27, 2024
Destruction Imminent!

With both Madrid and Berlin cleaved asunder tonight, DIOCLETIAN and TRIVAX are soon airbourne to England to bring the destruction home. All dates are locked and loaded, and we are all raring to get on the road. The opening assault converges in Newcastle tomorrow night, for a Saturday sortie to remember. The Exclusive Tour Vinyl…
[Read More]

Diocletian

April 26, 2024
A Saintly Persecution

Lydda, Palestine. Year 303 in the Common Era. The Roman Emperor, emboldened by a will to restore the glory of old, has declared an edict to persecute and punish the encroaching Christian faith. A young Cappadocian tribune, a believer, refuses to comply and speaks out against the decree. For his defiance, this once-trusted soldier is…
[Read More]

Diocletian

April 23, 2024
Global Stream Enigma

With the exclusive Tour Vinyl edition of DIOCLETIAN‘s ‘Inexorable Nexus’ flying off merch stands through Europe, Nuclear War Now! have released the whole thing onto Bandcamp. Seven tracks of raw yet compelling barbarism await the listener, with the epic ‘Heathen Siege I-III’ a particular standout to these ears. Already earning accolades from early appraisers such…
[Read More]

Diocletian

April 22, 2024
Against all Opposition

“They paid the ultimate price for their freedom, and we become their voice.” With the eyes of the world focused on Middle East escalation last weekend, it was with timely prescience that TRIVAX unveiled their video ‘Against all Opposition’. Released mere hours before missiles took flight, it presents a scathing critique of the Iranian regime.…
[Read More]

Diocletian

April 17, 2024
Subjugation Before Annihilation

As DIOCLETIAN commence their European tour in Poland tonight; we announce an exclusive ‘Tour Edition’ advance of upcoming album Inexorable Wrath. This full-length vinyl will not be available elsewhere, having artwork and layout different from this Summer’s release. Limited to 250 copies, it is certain to fly from the merch stand across all territories. No…
[Read More]

Diocletian

April 12, 2024