As a writer of culture here, I sometimes becomes merely a carrier of ideas, idologies and presentations, and I am using this opportunity to display one of the most pure and grandeur black metal “festivals” that I know of. As most persons I know are already familiar with this, I shall offer it to those who don’t. It is one truly unlike any other in the world, because of its immense organization and concept. I will see if I can not do it worthwhile honor by reiterating the concept and purpose of Gathering of Shadows! It is a collective gathering of thew few and dark adepts, who traverse from different portions of the world to culminate in a ritual held once a year in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Deep in the sylvan woodlands, which the location of is not known to those not attending. It is acausal in it’s nature, in that the bands shall perform whatever material the desire for any time they wish. Here is an unmarked opportunity to disperse black metal art not only through sound and stage, but with atmosphere, purpose, and purity which transcends mere entertainment. Removing the repetitive guise of teenager bands playing in small bars, performing covers from drunken “warriors”. No fucking neon lights, No metal-metal attitude and spastic performances or moshing, and no bombardment of merch tables and the most blasphemous band shirts to waste money on. Gathering Of Shadows is far away that black metal becomes not the end but the means. The meeting of like minded individuals, bands, and statement is served by the music. The members are clad in filthy grave clothes, and their instruments are sometimes adorned with skulls, and animal totems, bringing the presence of death, while viscous fog fills the aether, forcing you to breathe a thick fumes to alter your conscious state. Personally I hold a reverence for such special attention to Black Metal and would prefer if all black metal concerts at least had something unique about them such as this one. Even if it be in a venue, to create a simulated atmospheric presence, rather than like watching a boring movie.
Surviving so far for a respectable 7 years, Gathering of Shadows is neither a paid event, nor is anything given to the bands. It is the path seemingly less chosen by most you prescribe to the black metal phenomena, and those who follow will find it. It is strictly an invitation event, almost like a guild, and to gain entrance to it’s temple, you should write to them and explain why you want to attend, and it is basically first serve. Like I said it is like a guild, and therefore, there are no random guests to ruin the occasion. If you feel it within, that you want to experience it, you need only make it known. There is though a strict number of persons that can attend, as the permit to use the land has limitations as to how many will be there.
Over it’s time in existence, the following hordes have shed their talents at the Gathering of Shadows, Abyssmal Nocturne, Ashdautus, Brumalis, Cemetery Urn, Crimson Moon, Dagon, Demoncy, Funereus, Gospel of the Horns,, Gräuen Pestanz, Gravecode Nebula, Haethen, Hunok, Hexenwald, Ibex Throne, Iconoclast Contra, Incursus, Krieg, Legions of Astaroth, Maledicere, Nachtmystium, Nazxul, Nibiru, Nightbringer, Pyre, Sanguis Imperem, Spiculum Iratus, Tenebrous, Teratism, Terra Noir, T.O.M.B., Velnias, Vesterian.
To get in contact with them, write to gatheringofshadows@live.com
What you gaze at here is a sub par reflection of what IS, but have a look and spark the interest, and perhaps declare yourself the journey to attend.
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