Druid Chants by Sencha Skene

Druid Chants by Sencha Skene: A Mystical Journey Through Ancient Sounds

Sencha Skene’s Druid Chants is an evocative and immersive album that transports listeners to the sacred realms of Celtic and Norse mythology, blending ancient wisdom with modern soundscapes. Each track is a carefully crafted invocation, a bridge to the mysteries of the druids, gods, and ancestral spirits that shaped the spiritual traditions of Northern Europe. Drawing on his deep roots in Druidic and Norse practices, Druid Chants weaves together Sencha’s haunting vocals, primal rhythms, and nature-inspired instrumentation to create a truly transcendent listening experience.

The album begins with “Three Sisters,” an homage to the powerful triad of the maiden, mother, and crone, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life in their incarnation as the Norns of Norse mythology. It is a spoken word poem accompanied by a guitar.

Next comes “Awen,” the sacred word that represents the flowing spirit of divine inspiration in Druidic tradition. Sencha Skene captures this essence beautifully with a soundscape that swells and undulates like a river of spiritual energy. The vocal chant rises like a prayer, evoking a feeling of inner clarity and awakening. As the word “awen” is used as a mantra, listeners may feel themselves opening to the flow of creative inspiration, aligning with the divine energies of the universe.

“Odin’s Throne” shifts the album’s focus toward Norse mythology, honoring the wisdom and power of the Allfather. This track carries a weightier, more foreboding energy, with deep, resonant drums and chants that call to mind ancient rituals held in the shadow of Yggdrasil, the World Tree. It’s an invocation of Odin’s presence and an invitation to commune with him. The commanding tones reciting the many names of Odin remind the listener of the importance of wisdom, sacrifice, and foresight in life’s journey.

“Brighid’s Lullaby” offers a tender contrast, invoking the nurturing aspect of the Celtic goddess Brighid. Known as a goddess of healing, poetry, and fertility, Brighid’s gentle influence can be felt throughout this track. The lullaby’s soft, soothing melodies feel like a warm embrace, making it perfect for moments of rest, reflection, or ritual work centered on self-care and rejuvenation, or of course for singing your little ones to sleep. Sencha used to sing this to his own children. The use of guitar and soft, lilting vocals creates an atmosphere of peace, a sonic balm for the weary soul.

The album takes a more spiritual turn with “Ancestor Chant,” a piece that connects listeners to the wisdom and guidance of those who came before. The rhythmic repetition the chant serves as a reminder that we are all part of a long line of souls, and through honoring our ancestors, we draw strength and wisdom from them. The deep, resonant tones of this track evoke images of ancient rituals around a fire, where the veils between the worlds is thin, and communion with the spirit world is at its peak. This track also features several guest musicians.

“Taliesin” celebrates the legendary Welsh bard who represents the archetype of the inspired poet and seer. This track is accompanied by a single drum, mimicking the flow of poetic inspiration that Taliesin was known for. The rhythm echoes the spirit of creation and storytelling that lies at the heart of Druidic tradition as Taliesin sings of what he knows and who he has been throughout his many incarnations.

The darker, more mysterious track “To the Morrigan” pays homage to the Celtic goddess of war, fate, and transformation. By far Sencha’s most popular song to date, the chant is a powerful invocation to the Phantom Queen, with an intensity that mirrors the Morrigan’s role as a goddess of both death and rebirth. This track taps into the raw, untamed power of the divine feminine and calls on listeners to embrace transformation, even in its most chaotic forms.

“Lyke Wake Dirge,” a traditional English funeral chant, fits perfectly within the album’s thematic exploration of life, death, and the otherworld. Sencha Skene’s rendition honors the somber tradition, offering a haunting reflection on the journey of the soul after death. This traditional English dirge is probably a Christianization of an older Pagan theme. Sencha took the liberty of re-Paganizing it by inserting the name of the Donn, the Celtic god of death and the Underworld. The sparse instrumentation allows the weight of the lyrics to shine through, making this a contemplative and emotionally stirring piece.

The album concludes with “The Night Before Solstice,” an ethereal and celebratory track that captures the magic and anticipation of the Winter Solstice. Based on “The Night Before Christmas,” this spoken poem reflects on what the Winter Solstice means to Pagans. It’s a time of reflection, celebration, and renewal, and this track encapsulates those themes with spoken vocals and an uplifting guitar melody.

Overall, Druid Chants is an album that speaks to the soul. It serves as a tool for ritual work, meditation, and personal reflection, offering listeners an opportunity to connect with ancient traditions while finding meaning in the present. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner of Druidry or simply seeking music that connects you to the rhythms of nature, Sencha Skene’s Druid Chants is a transformative listening experience that will leave you feeling inspired, grounded, and connected to the divine.

Special thanks to:
Barefoot Bran
Lord Alexian
Reoha Randal
Abigail McBride