Sol Invictus (band)

Prior to forming Sol Invictus, Tony Wakeford had co-founded the band Death in June. In early 1984, Wakeford had been a supporter of the National Front (UK), and was fired from Death in June for "bringing his 'right-wing leanings into the group'.[1] Subsequently, he formed Above the Ruins, a post-punk band which became controversial due to its association with right-wing politics.[2] In 1987, Wakeford distanced himself from these views, and formed Sol Invictus,[2] adapting the band's name from a cult that predated Christianity.[3] In 1990, Wakeford formed his own record label, Tursa. With distribution by World Serpent Distribution, Tursa released numerous albums by Sol Invictus, starting with Trees in Winter.[2] After World Serpent dissolved in the 2000s, Cold Spring began distributing the band's albums.[2]

Due to Wakeford's past political associations, Sol Invictus has been accused of neo-fascism.[4] Wakeford initially denied ever having been a member of the National Front or Above the Ruins, but later admitted to having been a member of both.[1] In 2007, Wakeford described his National Front membership as "probably the worst decision of my life".[5]

The band's music combines acoustic guitar playing and "neo-classical instrumentation" with elements of industrial music.[2] According to AllMusic biographer Paul Simpson, "Sol Invictus is one of the most prolific and influential bands associated with neo-folk or apocalyptic folk".[2] Tony Wakeford uses the phrase "folk noir" to describe his music.[2] Sol Invictus' debut album, Against the Modern World (1988), displayed a post-punk sound which incorporated elements of what was later termed martial industrial.[2] According to Peter Webb, the band's first four albums use a "very raw and basic" sound consisting of acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboards and drums which "evoke a premodern world that deals with a variety of subject matter from paganism, to England's quirkiness, to anti-Americanism, and looking to the traditions of Europe."[3] The band had considerable interest in heathen and Mithraist themes, often with an explicit antipathy to Christianity, reflecting the involvement of Wakeford and other members in neopagan groups.[6] The band's lyrics display a pessimistic, apathetic view towards modern society.[2][4] Their later albums are marked by more personal lyrical themes,[2] and expand their sound with cello, violin, orchestral drums, flute, and harp.[3]

• Sol Invictus on Myspace