Neofolk

[Das war einmal]

I have a question concerning this genre. Its connected with other genres like gothrock, black- and industrial metal. However certain bands like to flirt with fascism and sometimes, soviet communism aswell. Is this merely a joke (like in the case of Laibach) or are this bands really into fascism? I am very much skeptical about this, an old friend of mine was first trying to piss me of by making jokes about this and saying he was listening to burzum only because he liked the music, but then at one point he told me he befriended a nazi (since then our friendship was over)

I am very curious about this. A band like thronhstahl for example, I am not sure whether or not they are joking or really are fascist...

[Dimentio]

I have a question concerning this genre. Its connected with other genres like gothrock, black- and industrial metal. However certain bands like to flirt with fascism and sometimes, soviet communism aswell. Is this merely a joke (like in the case of Laibach) or are this bands really into fascism? I am very much skeptical about this, an old friend of mine was first trying to piss me of by making jokes about this and saying he was listening to burzum only because he liked the music, but then at one point he told me he befriended a nazi (since then our friendship was over)

I am very curious about this. A band like thronhstahl for example, I am not sure whether or not they are joking or really are fascist...

They are proto-fascist. Often, this kind of music is associated with "martial pop". It is glorifying European imperialist traditions in much the same way as some subcategories of hiphop and reggae are glorifying anti-imperialism. In the same time, they do not swallow entirely into the whole thing in general, but keeps it as some form of ambivalence. Some of these bands are nazi, while some are not. It is often hard to decipher what they really mean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fV01qS0qBU

But it is not hard to see that they are glorifying reactionary values.

[Das war einmal]

So its more like the answer on hiphop culture?

[Dimentio]

So its more like the answer on hiphop culture?

I would claim that neofolk people are often associated with right-wing punks, synth-poppers and some NS Black Metal types. Neofolk is not even really a genre, but rather quite experimental music with fascist/imperialist aesthetics and appreciation for war and militarism. If it is genuine or simply aesthetical kitsch is never explicitly answered.

In its name, neofolk is associating with "folk music" and with traditional Indo-european cultures. I think they perceive it as a return to the roots.

[communard resolution]

A band like thronhstahl for example

I can't generalise about all neo-folk bands since I don't know many, but Von Thronstahl are definitely a radical right-wing band, not only aesthetically but politically. They often speak of a 'left-wing establishment' that needs to be destroyed by a means of a 'national revolution' etc.

They dissasociate themselves from the NS regime, but identify with the 'Conservative Revolutionaries' that largely merged with the NSDAP later on. I don't know about their economic views, so it's hard to say whether they're fascist (= corporatist), but you can say they're a fascist band in their social views.

Apparently, there's tons of dodgy bands and people in the neo-folk scene, but I've only got second-hand info about bands other than Von Thronstahl.

As for Laibach, who pioneered some of the sounds of neo-folk and martial music in the 80s, I love them and I'm convinced they are a left-wing band.

[Das war einmal]

Hmm I read an interview with Von Thronstahl, did openly admire the fascist era, particularly because of the symbolism and tradition of both Catholicism and paganism. Also they seem to admire strong leadership. I can understand why people are attracted to the aesthetics of fascism, certainly in times of the empty and poor entertainment provided by capitalism. But as Michael Parenti says: "When you strip fascism of all its organisational and ideological crap then it is nothing more then a definitive sollution for class struggle; the total destruction and exploitation of democratic forces in the interests of the highest financial circles"

In other words they are being fooled by the aesthetic parts of fascism

[communard resolution]

I can understand why people are attracted to the aesthetics of fascism


Yes, fascism is very aesthetically beautiful. It looks great with its uniforms, symbols, and banners - but is it really?
Liberal capitalism also has a beautiful surface: glamorous, sexy and rock'n'roll - but is it really?

I also read some interviews with Von Thronstahl, as well as opinion pieces they posted on their own website (I speak German since I lived there for a while), and I can say with certainty that they are quite serious about their extreme right-wing politics. It goes beyond mere aesthetics.

[thejambo1]

i was always under the assumption that neo-folk was the home of fascist worship. most of the bands i have come across are well dodgy. maybe i am generalising but troy southgate and his ilk espouse the neo-folk scene.

[Das war einmal]

What do you guys think of antifascists protesting against bands like Thronstahl? or their fans? Are their fans fascists? Should we be concerned? I always thought we have bigger fish to fry I mean they are not openly racists or calling their fans to fight leftists as far as I know

[communard resolution]

What do you guys think of antifascists protesting against bands like Thronstahl? or their fans? Are their fans fascists? Should we be concerned? I always thought we have bigger fish to fry I mean they are not openly racists or calling their fans to fight leftists as far as I know

As an outsider I can only guess: I would think most of their fans are not fascist but might be attracted to the controversial aura that surrounds the band.

A quick google search reveals there are groups such as 'neo-folk fans against racism'. This kind of initiative may be a more effective measure against fascists in the scene than a bunch of outsiders protesting against a gig and thus giving a band like Von Thronstahl undeserved attention.

I understand the Von Thronstahl singer is an old punk who turned to serious fascism when he ran out of other ways to be 'provocative' and 'anti-establishment'. Controversy and attention is what he craves - don't encourage him!

[Kernewek]

I understand the Von Thronstahl singer is an old punk who turned to serious fascism when he ran out of other ways to be 'provocative' and 'anti-establishment'. Controversy and attention is what he craves - don't encourage him!
I remember reading that interview, but yeah, they're defiantly a fascist group, come out with some right shit in interviews.

I used to listen to a bit of neo folk but got bored of it, plenty of better folk without the dodgy politics out there, Current 93 are pretty cool though

A lot of bands are pretty muddy politically, seem a bit dodgy but I dunno if they’re actually nazis. Death in June were a leftist group when they started, formed out of a marxist punk band and played anti-racism and socialist benefit gigs. But they seemed to drift away from left wing politics and then one of the founding members turned out to be involved with the national front, although to the bands credit they did kick him out. Still deny being nazis but they do present a romanticized view of Nazism.
The guy that got kicked out of Death in June then formed Sol Invictus which started out as a nazi group (under the name Above The Ruins) but now he denies any involvement with right wing politics and claims joining the NF was the worst decision he ever made. Still sells the EP he put out as Above The Ruins though.

[Robespierre2.0]

Well, I have to admit- I love Neofolk/Military pop. Von Thronstahl may be a bunch of fascists, but dammit, I love the music they make. You have to give them some credit- most fascist music is just shitty Oi! punk with the N-world sprinkled liberally on top.

I also like Death in June and Current 93, although their politics don't seem to be nearly as objectionable.

By the way, I really like DIJ's lyrics and song titles- 'God's Golden Sperm', for example, or 'The Honor of Silence' from Nada.

I just feel the whole Neofolk aesthetic- gloomy acoustic ballads and stompy industrial tracks with orchestral samples have an apocalyptic feel to it that seems very appropriate for the depressing situation in the world today.

It'd be nice to see some real, genuine left-wing Neofolk, though. Who knows. I'm a music composition student, maybe someday when I have some free time, I'll write my own 'anti-revisionist Neofolk' music.

[Das war einmal]

Well, I have to admit- I love Neofolk/Military pop. Von Thronstahl may be a bunch of fascists, but dammit, I love the music they make. You have to give them some credit- most fascist music is just shitty Oi! punk with the N-world sprinkled liberally on top.

I also like Death in June and Current 93, although their politics don't seem to be nearly as objectionable.

By the way, I really like DIJ's lyrics and song titles- 'God's Golden Sperm', for example, or 'The Honor of Silence' from Nada.

I just feel the whole Neofolk aesthetic- gloomy acoustic ballads and stompy industrial tracks with orchestral samples have an apocalyptic feel to it that seems very appropriate for the depressing situation in the world today.

It'd be nice to see some real, genuine left-wing Neofolk, though. Who knows. I'm a music composition student, maybe someday when I have some free time, I'll write my own 'anti-revisionist Neofolk' music.

You're absolutely right, Von Thronstahl does make catchy music. The song return your revolt in style is very energizing; but then again I really like industrial-rock.

You would have my gratitude would you produce antirevisionist neofolk. Let those thronstahl freaks remind them who won the war ;)