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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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

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

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