PANDEMONAEON
A DARK TRIBAL FAERYTALE IN FOLK, ROACK AND METAL...
Pandemonaeon is a folk metal project founded by Sharon Knight and Winter in 2001.
Pandemonaeon blends a driving rock sound with the delicate beauty of folk instruments such as violin, oud, saz, mandocello, bouzouki, flute, and percussion. Fleshing out their sound with heavy rhythm, lush keys and "beauty and the beast" vocal stylings, Pandemonaeon is reminiscent of a harder edged Dead Can Dance. Their sound has been described as “Dark tribal fusion with powerful vocals and metal accents” and “Music for bellydancers in combat boots”.
Captivated by the realms of myth and dream, Pandemonaeon draws on Celtic, Scandinavian, and Middle Eastern folk traditions, imbuing their songs with rich archetypal imagery and creating soundscapes both modern and timeless. At times haunting and stark, at times driving and passionate, the result is deeply evocative.
Pandemonaeon’s archetypal themes and otherworldly sound have made them popular among neo-tribals, neo-Pagans, Tribal Fusion bellydancers and lovers of dark fantasy. Their music has been featured in the cult horror film, "The Commune" (2009) and a Gothic Fusion bellydance DVD "Dark Imaginations" by Anaar (2009).
Following an early courtship by Warner Brothers, they have maintained a strident DIY ethic, working tirelessly to bring their musical vision to light on their own terms.
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“Dangerous Beauty offers a dark and exciting vision from vocalist Sharon Knight, [guitarist]Winter, and their band mates…from the very outset Pandemonaeon draws the listener in with a captivating sound.”
— Tony Cannella, Femme Metal Webzine
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“It has been a long time since I have heard such powerful music by anyone considering themselves to be Rock musicians.”
— -Beth Kelley, Pagan Radio Network
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“Dark Tribal Fusion with powerful vocals and metal accents.”
— -Jason Pitzl-Waters, The Wild Hunt, A Darker Shade of Pagan
Pandemonaeon is not currently developing new material, but I am really proud of the albums we have released! You can hear them in my shop, Bandcamp, or Spotify.
You can also see a live video montage on my video page. (It’s the last one down).
Hi there! I’m Sharon. I am delighted you’re here!
This world is alive. Every stone, every tree, every bug and bird and river and sea breeze, possessed of a spirit coalesced from that first initial impetus to exist. I wholeheartedly believe this. For what else could the impulse to exist be, if not sentience?
This type of animistic relationship with the world is something we humans have had since the beginning of time. Only recently (relatively speaking) have we moved away from such a worldview, and it seems to me we are the poorer for it.
Some might say we have science now, and therefore no longer need the superstitions of our more primitive past. But to relate to the world in this way is not to refute science, not at all! It is to revere life!
To approach the world as a living being, or ecology of beings, whom we can talk to and befriend, rather than a series of objects to be chopped up and sold, seems to me a far healthier way of relating to life. It is not a question of what is “real”, it is a question of art. To acknowledge the spirit of a thing is to give it respect and reverence, regardless of whether we can measure that spirit in any tangible way.
To view the world in this way leads to a feeling that we are part of this world, not dropped on top of it. It is a balm for the alienation and disconnect that plagues so many. It may even be the shift in perception needed for humanity to step back from the precipice of destruction upon which we find ourselves.
This way of relating to the world has brought me back from the brink of depression, and opens up a feeling of wonder and enchantment that feeds my soul endlessly. Every piece of music, art, every event and adventure I create, is an offering to this living world, a means of connection, and an invitation to magic. All of the offerings you will find on these pages have saved my life in some way.
May they bring a glimmer of magic to your life as well.
PS. Looking for my musician’s bio? Click the green button.
WINTER
This is Winter, my longtime collaborator. He makes all my songs better. He fleshes out my ideas, adds beautiful arrangements, and co-produces all of our music. He is a fantastic guitar player, accomplished recording engineer, and wonderful life companion. He is fond of a good Islay Scotch and is beloved of cats across the land. Like our songs, this page would not be complete without him.