On 5th of October 2002 there was the second Neo-folk meeting in Szeged, southern Hungary. Originally it was a 50/50 deal that should I go or not, but as my best friends were also interested about this, then it was just a one bus ride to Szeged and straight to Old Synagogue. The place itself is quite interesting, it's old Jewish synagogue and quite run down, but there has been enough repairs that it can function as concert place. The main 'area' is something like 8m x 15m and is split in three. The stage is taking some 30% of the space and is basically just a ramp, some 20 cm high or so. Then there is 'empty space' of circa 2m wide and then there are the seats. The seats has been arranged so, that the seat row behind is always a bit higher than the previous one, hence giving quite a nice view to the stage. The price was pretty ok, with four euros you can check out four bands, with three of them coming outside of Hungary, so basically it was quite a bargain. I lost my notes, so the following is straight from the end of my memory line, so I'm sorry if I do big injustice for any of the bands mentioned. The first band to start was JOLENE, hailing from Romania (or rather Transylvania?) and playing dark folk music. This time this meant flute, guitar and male vocals and not too good PA mix, guitar being the loudest instrument. Nothing special, especially when the guitar sound started to creep into my nerves. After four songs my friend proposed that we hit the road for awhile and I guess that was the so called wise decision. Even thou Szeged is moderate sized city, there is not too many 'quality' pubs, so we spend some time to find a suitable locale to spend our hard earned Forints. After a discussion about WW II ost front and slightly expensive glass of apple juice we hit the road again and got back just in time when the Hungarians CAWATANA started their set. They were offering quite a mixed experience, least to say. The main components were keyboards, guitars, sound samples and male vocals. The beginning was quite Teutonic, with militant drum/keyboard opening. But after that we received quite a rollercoaster. There was almost ambient landscapes, semi-industrial militancy, acoustic folk numbers, gothic rock and mixture of before mentioned styles. This time the PA mix was more suited for the band. At best (most aggressive parts) you could hear some Summoning/Dominion 3 sort of material, but overall CAWATANA was more laid-back version of early Antichrises (w/ male only vocals). It would had been quite ok gig for 40 minutes but after that time the band simply started to repeat itself and as the band played over an hour, the end time was a bit boring. And no thanks for the ballad... The third band to hit the stage was from Yugoslavia, KINOVIA and what a surprise they were. They described themselves as emotional Byzantine music and I have nothing against that label! The band was quite big, seven members playing guitar, cello, flutes, keyboards, violin, drums and what else... Their music was a mixture too, ranging from pure folk to more symphonic/orchestral musical pieces, from medieval music to church music. My friend who has actually studied music in Serbia said that the band base a lot of the harmonies to traditional Serb orthodox church music, while also flirting with contemporary folk music. While the music is one thing, then the main singer for KINOVIA a story itself! He's one of these guys with operatic (Bocelli etc) voices and how he used it... PURE EMOTION!!! He easily sweeps the floor with the rest of the contemporary 'gothic' singers of the whole dark music genre. Emotional and charismatic, two words that rarely fit for today's singers but he deserves that. As whole KINOVIA's performance was something to watch and feel, a show of it1s own kind. The whole atmosphere was... joyful? Yeah, that's the right word, dark yet joyful. When majority of the bands in this damn dark music genre tries their best to look spooky and gloomy, and hence mostly just ridiculous, KINOVIA showed that they enjoyed to play music, be it dark or gloomy and that gets my support. Expect KINOVIA interview on this webzine sooner or later. While CATAWANA played overtime (I think), KINOVIA played quite short set, something like 35 minutes or so. And then it was time for DAVID MELLOR of LIBIDO MORTIDO/SOL INVICTUS fame. Man, mic and guitar. English guy with bearable accent, sarcastic, witty yet entertaining too. Songs about things what affect him. Due to transportation we had to leave after five songs which was a pity as this English bloke was worth the money paid. What to say, four diverse bands/artists from the same genre area for 1000 Ft/Euro 4, definitely a bargain price. I think the folks who organised this didn't really got their money back as what I could count the audience was some 50+ paid persons. Overall the Old Synagogue is quite interesting place for gigs even thou the area between the stage and the seats is a hazardous when trying to take pictures... What a better way to end the night than to head to my friends place and watch a porn version of their wedding video (where the hell this world is heading...) Medve

pif242 says on 12 Apr 2006 This album is a perfect example of when the title says it all. All the titles on this little gem are indeed strange and certainly rare. They still have that particular Sol Invictus touch we all love but they show yet another side (or flare) of their work. Some of the titles are from the period when David Mellor was part of the line up and that is to me the best period of Sol Invictus. This album is surely a great addition for the fan but maybe not a good introduction for the beginner. So if you're a fan you will be fulfilled but if you're new to Sol Invictus try In The Rain or Hill Of Crosses albums first and then get this one to fully grasp its inner beauty.

blackwinged says on 16 Apr 2004 For all intents and purposes, this is the best Sol Invictus album, and not only that one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. Tony Wakeford’s voice and guitar playing is accompanied by Sarah Bradshaw on cello, David Mellor on piano & keyboards, Karl Blake on electric guitar and bass, Nathalie Van Keymeulen and Céline Marleix-Bardeau on violins, Eric Rogers on trumpet and Nick Hall on drums and percussion. This was the first Sol Invictus album with a mini orchestra, while everything previous to this only had brief use of orchestral instruments. In fact the orchestral instruments make it almost a full on orchestrated album since they generally blur out the guitar playing on this album. At times these instruments provide a very beautiful tranquil feeling, whereas at other times can be quite sad, and at other times present an extremely chilling feeling.

SOL's CD album, In the Rain, not only reflects Wakeford's talents for songwriting and musical composition, but his increasingly sophisticated direction of Sol's mini-orchestra. Wakeford's guitar and vocals are joined on this album by Sarah Bradshaw on cello, David Mellor on piano and keyboards, Karl Blake on electric guitar and bass, Nathalie Van Keymeulen and Céline Marleix-Bardeau on violins, Eric Rogers on trumpet and Nick Hall on drums and percussion.

The second Neofolk Meeting takes place at Szeged, Hungary, on 5. October, 2002. At this festival we can take a look at the Central-East European scene, represented by 3 bands, and David Mellor from England also appears on the stage. David Mellor released 5 widely eclectic albums in solo, besides previously he played keyboards in the legendary English neofolk act Sol Invictus. Cawatana from Bekescsaba, Hungary and Jolene from Timisoara, Romania represent the tradiotional darkfolk/neofolk, though their repertoire/style is quite different despite of the same genre. Kinovia from Jagodina, Yugoslavia plays “byzantine folk” using classical instruments (e.g. cello, flute, piano, etc.). More about the bands: http://negativeart.hu/neofolk/neofolk.html

Libido Mortido The nightfall The Nightfall CD CD 48 min 48 min Neo-Folk Neo-Folk Triton Triton Libido Mortido ist sozusagen die Nachfolge-Band zu The Days of the Moon, die auf Hyperium vor längerer Zeit zwei Longplayer veröffentlicht haben. Mortido libido is so to speak, the successor band The Days Of The Moon have posted some time ago on Hyperium two long player. Die zentrale Schaltperson der genannten Bands war und ist auch hier wieder David Mellor, ehemals Bandmitglied von Sol Invictus. The central control person of the bands mentioned was and is once again David Mellor, former band member of Sol Invictus. Auf „The nightfall“ hören wir schöne, verträumte Songs, die ein wenig an Sol invictus erinnern. On "The Nightfall" we hear beautiful, dreamy songs that remind a bit of Sol invictus. Der Unterschied liegt in der nicht The difference lies in the lack düsteren Ausstrahlung, was sicher auch an den männlichen Vocals liegt, die sehr hell und beinahe romantisch wirken. gloomy aura, this is doubtless to the male vocals, appears very bright and almost romantic. „The nightfall“ ist ein sehr romantisch anmutendes Album geworden, das überzeugen kann und Freunde von Neo-Folk gefallen wird, wenn sie nicht nur auf düstere Klänge stehen. "The Nightfall" is a very romantic-sounding album made, which can convince and friends of neo-folk will enjoy, if they are not only gloomy tones.

Over the years a number of musicians have passed through - and some remained too - the ranks of Sol Invictus including Ian Read (Fire & Ice), David Mellor (Days of the Moon), Matt Howden (Sieben), Sally Doherty (of the Sumacs) and Karl Blake (Shock Headed Peters).

1987 unveiled another THE UNDERNEATH release-- this time, a full-length album on El Records. "Lunatic Dawn of the Dismantler" featured fifteen tracks, which would have been quite at home with any SHOCK HEADED PETERS release. Actually a "Karl Blake solo album" under a pseudonym, "Lunatic" featured samples created with David Knight from SHOCK HEADED PETERS more than a year earlier, as well as work with future-collaborator David Mellor (and various guests). Karl's disenchantment, depression and anger (etc.!) were revealed throughout the incredibly diverse styles of this impressive recording.

Another Karl Blake project had been developing many months before, which led to yet another masterpiece. EVIL TWIN was born, and consisted of Karl Blake and David Mellor, who had engineered the first LEMON KITTENS LP. Mellor also worked with SOL INVICTUS, playing keyboards and co-producing. They came out with "The Black Spot" CD. Released on Livesey (named after Dr. Livesey from Treasure Island by R. L. Stevenson) through World Serpent, this lengthy album features undoubtedly some of the best vocals Karl Blake has ever recorded. In typical Karl Blake fashion, he either belted out a tune in a honey-coated timbre of smooth notes, or he clenched his fists and scowled as "songs" came climbing up from the center of his barrel chest, with low, beefy crooning added to the weight of emotion. Karl recently told me that he once sang so powerfully that he experienced "mini-blackouts and momentary extreme head pain" when he hit certain notes! His vision would disappear, as his vocals became more furious. Is that intense or what?

Amy Rodenburg from America and David Mellor shared additional vocal duties. LEFT HAND RIGHT HAND issued "Legs Akimbo," an LP on Tak Tak Tak Records. It featured Karl's bass and guitar on nine tracks. EVIL TWIN himself, David Mellor released "The Days Of The Moon" which featured a bass note (one note!) played by Karl Blake. Hyperium Records released it.

Other great folks associated with Sol Invictus: David Mellor of Evil Twin actually maintains his own homepage -- the only one to do so in the whole WSD crowd. And a good homepage it is.

It surprises me that you did not write "La Croix" entirely on your own. Why did you work with David Mellor: why is he present on your solo record? Why was it not a Sol record? TW: David played piano and organ on the recording and also did an awful lot of pre- and post-production work. I am not a classical musician. I cannot write music. If I am working with a string quartet it is fairly obvious I would need someone like David who speaks and writes their language. Without David's input "La Croix" would never have happened. Also without the help of Adiaphora it would have been impossible.

David Mellor (ex-Sol Invictus) has released a few CDs of hiw own.

"In part a compilation of compilations, "All Things Strange and Rare" brings together the three tracks from the mini-CD issued with the now out-of-print Sol songbook, Above Us The Sun, with three other recordings: the 'Looking For Europe' 7" version, 'A Palace Of Worms' and 'Hedda Gabbler'. The latter two were recorded for the Cthulhu compilations The Lamp of the Invisible Light and Im Blutfeuer respectively. The 'Palace Of Worms' is an extended track incorporating five other pieces and was jointly recorded with Evil Twin (David Mellor and Karl Blake) in 1991. 'Hedda Gabbler' was written by John Cale and is named after the Ibsen play. Illustrating different styles and periods of Tony Wakeford's work, this full-length CD is a must for those who have missed the material before."

In the spring of 2007, Joy (Cristian Craciun) joins the band on acoustic guitar and keyboards. Joy is involved with music since 1998 – first as one of the original organizers of the Underground Timisoara Festival, then as the guitar player of the very short life dark folk band Jolene – with the highlight concert in Szeged, opening for David Mellor (of Libido Mortido and Sol Invictus) - and more recently as an indie entertainer dj from Timisoara. After finding an personal sound, PERSONA is now ready to tour Romania…

1 Evil Twin & Sol Invictus A Palace Of Worms (15:08) Performer – David Mellor , Karl Blake , Sarah Bradshaw , Tony Wakeford 2 Blood Axis Lord Of Ages (3:12) Programmed By, Engineer – Kelly Cowan Vocals, Programmed By – Michael Moynihan Voice [Spoken] – Boyd Rice 3 Blood Axis Electricity (6:25) Programmed By, Engineer – Kelly Cowan Vocals, Programmed By – Michael Moynihan Voice …

The Days of the Moon The Words and Music of David Mellor (Hyperium) CD 57 minutes No, not that David Mellor, this is the one from Evil Twin, assisted by Wolf Dobermann and various others. The seven tracks on this disc are lengthy, psychedelic-folk-synthesiser workouts, that vary from the nearly dead-on-their-feet to panic-stricken riffolata. Much of it makes me yawn, although thankfully the singing is kept to a minimum, but there are a few beautiful moments that make the whole thing worthwhile. [dist. via Plastic Head] BD

the music and mystery of David Mellor an interview by Wolf P. Doberman Can you tell me something about your musical background, for people who don't know your work. I have dabbled in music for a long, long time and I make a living largely from royalties from music that I did for film and TV, none of which I would recommend that you search out. Many musicians form a band and start writing songs before they really have any experiences or musical skill to draw upon. I came to a point a few years ago where I was suddenly brimming with ideas. I was already working with Evil Twin and Sol Invictus at that time. I recorded a mostly instrumental CD which through a misunderstanding at the record company came to be called 'The Words and Music of David Mellor' by The Days of the Moon. It should have been The Days of the Moon by David Mellor. I went on to do another CD called The Prince, which for consistency was also billed as being by The Days of the Moon. The Prince was largely inspired by the works of Machiavelli. He's pretty dark. I had planned for the third Days of the Moon CD to be The Mysteries of Death but in the end my work took another direction and it seemed appropriate to quit hiding behind a made up name and just call myself by the name my parents gave me. How do you describe your music: Industrial, Darkwave, Dark Folk, Gothic, Alternative? I wouldn't refer to my music as anything other than music unless I had to. But if you play acoustic guitar, as I now like to do, then you are inevitably categorized as folk or country. I've nothing against people who want to listen to country music but I think the 'folk' tag probably suits me better. Of course to the purist folk music is really music of the people, created free from the influences of commercial music, recordings and broadcasts. If that's the case then there will never be any more folk music. I just take the term as a starting point and develop it from there. The same applies to Industrial, Gothic and Ambient tags, all of which I have had to put up with at one time or another. If they help people find the music, fine. Anything except Alternative.< You were keyboard player with Sol Invictus for a number of years. People will inevitably draw a comparison with what you are doing now and Tony Wakeford. If they must then I suppose they must. Among the things that impressed me about Tony, one of the most significant is his practicality. Virtually all of his songs can be performed with guitar and voice alone, the band just add to the texture. When I was working on my project 'The Days of the Moon' I realised that I needed an enormous mass of technology just to do the simplest thing. I'm not rejecting technology as such, but it does have its drawbacks. Sol Invictus' music is often described as Dark Folk whereas The Days of the Moon was more Keyboard/Ambient/ Darkwave. Why did you choose to move over to the same area as Tony? I expect people to draw the comparison you are drawing, even if I don't agree with it or see its relevance myself. I think it's better to tackle this issue head on rather than say, "Oh I don't like to be categorised". All musicians say that they don't like to be catagorised - but they all are in the end. If your music doesn't fall into a recognised category then you have a hell of a problem explaining to people what it's all about - like The Days of the Moon for example. If I have something worth saying then I think I can say it even within any stylistic limitations categorising imposes. Also, my subject matter is far removed from Sol Invictus. Tony Wakeford's world is unremittingly dark. It would be very good music to commit suicide by. Many of my songs concern death, and in fact depression and suicide, but if you look into the lyrics you will see that life is my overriding theme. Also, Tony frequently refers either to the past or to an apocalyptic future. I'm not a great believer in the past or the values of the past, and I think that if there is to be an apocalyptic future, then life can transcend it. Am I getting too deep?

Libido Mortido - Nightfall LIBIDO MORTIDO is none other than David Mellor, who first became famous as the keyboardist of SOL INVICTUS and later from two albums he released under his own name on Hyperium Records. With his brand new project, David Mellor surprisingly returns to his Neo-Folk roots and arrangements that marked one of the main influences on his works with SOL INVICTUS. LIBIDO MORTIDO is a mature work of labor and offers timeless, romantic, and tragic beautiful acoustic Folk songs in the World Serpent tradition. On Triton.

Let's start with the future... although you can still buy my back catalog CDs - they are all floating around the Internet - I think they are due for a reissue. So I'm working on that right now. There are couple of licensing issues that have been irritatingly difficult to solve, but the end of the tunnel is now in sight. Although I would like to release my back catalog as physical CDs, I'm not sure whether that's what people want any more. It's more likely that I'll release my music free-of-charge via BitTorrent, including artwork and liner notes of course. I'd love to know what people think about that. Moving back to the present and recent past, I've been in one of my quiet periods for a while. I like to make music in bursts, then rest for a couple of years. I don't know why, it's just me. So the last time I did anything was in May 2006 at Le Chantier music festival in Paris, France where I performed with my old friend Karl Blake in our Evil Twin project. We were lucky enough to have some great musicians to play with, including the amazing vocal talent of Amy Rodenburg. I played a solo set as well, late at night. The thirty or so people who stayed back to hear me were the best audience I have ever known. A fantastic experience. Thanks to Eric Roger for organizing the event. People seem to be classifying me as a Neo Folk artist. Well that's just a label. I just sing and play my guitar. If you want to talk to me, make sure to mention that you're not a Neo Nazi and I'm sure we'll get on fine. Moving further back beyond another quiet period, I played at the second Neo Folk meeting in Szeged Hungary. I think it was 2003. Actually I found myself at the top of the bill, which was an interesting challenge. I found a review... "And then it was time for David Mellor. Man, mic and guitar. English guy with bearable accent, sarcastic, witty yet entertaining too. Songs about things what affect him. Due to transportation we had to leave after five songs which was a pity as this English bloke was worth the money paid." I didn't know I was sarcastic. Anyway, it's a wise person who knows the difference between sarcasm and irony. In 2002 I released an album called 'The Nightfall' under the name Libido Mortido on Triton Records. I never got paid a penny for that, which is one reason I doubt whether I will ever appear on anyone's label but mine in the future. Going back further in my time machine, in 2000 I made two limited releases, which you will be very lucky to find - 'The Mysteries of Death' and 'A Long Night In A Flotation Tank'. I'm very pleased with these works and they will be re-released soon. In 1994 I released 'The Prince - based on the works of Machiavelli' on Hyperium Records. I never got paid for that either, although they did reimburse the mastering costs. In 1993 I released my first solo CD which was confusingly titled 'The Words And Music of David Mellor' by The Days of the Moon. It was supposed to be 'The Days of the Moon' by David Mellor. I have a folder full of brilliant reviews of that album - apparently I'm an 'effervescent bird of paradise'. That's what you get when you make adventurous music that no-one understands. My current work is much more approachable. Actually Hyperium did pay me for that, so there's at least one positive experience with a label. Also in 1993, 'The Black Spot' by Evil Twin was released through World Serpent. This was with Karl Blake. We started in December 1987 and it took all that time to record. I'm still very pleased with it. Before that is all ancient history and you wouldn't be interested.

There was heavy rock by Two Worlds Collide, Leisur Hives, Evil Twin, Babel 17 and bombastic sounds by Hekate (without female singer due to her recent pregnancy) and Gae Bolg. Furthermore you could listen to (neo-) folk by acts like Seven Pines, Oraison, Hide & Seek, Pilori, Simon Finn and David Mellor.

For the Friday the 6th, Saturday the 7th and Monday the 8th, the bands invited are: GAЁ BOLG for 2 different sets on 2 different days!!! The first set will be a "normal" set (with video and dances, as usual!), the second one will be a completely different megalomaniac set interpreted by the band, soloists, choir and orchestra, around 100 people on stage!!! CLAIR OBSCUR with orchestra!!! The famous French cult band is back with the orchestra of "Le Chantier"!!! VON MAGNET with a wind orchestra!!! A special creation for this occasion from this also famous French cult band!!! DANIELLE DAX, the famous underground diva for the first time solo in France!!! SHOCK HEADED PETERS, the return of this famous English cult band after some years of silence. EVIL TWIN (ftg Karl Blake!), for the first time in France. THE AMAL GAMAL ENSEMBLE, the new band of Steven Thrower of Coil!!! SEVEN PINES, for a new acoustic set. HEKATE, the great German live band (who play sometimes with Gaё Bolg), for the first time in France. LEISUR HIVES, the band of Maria Wellansz (who play violin in Sol Invictus). DAVID MELLOR, the return of this major English artist after many years of silence. RICHARD MOULT, this multi-talented artist (he's also painter) have been discovered by David Tibet (Current 93) who consider him as one of the major artist of our time! DER BEKANNTE POST-INDUSTRIELLE TRUMPETER, this project of Flavio Rivabella (Mushroom's Patience) is certainly one of the most excited post-industrial project from Italy. ARKKON, the solo project of David Knight (Lydia Lunch, Shock Headed Peters...), also for the first time in France. HIDE AND SEEK, the French romantic pop-folk from Paris. ORAISON, the neo-folk band form the south. PILORI, the well-known romantic neo-folk band from Germany. 2 WORLDS COLLIDE, the new and enthusiastic project of Clive Giblin (Alternative TV, Sol Invictus...) LE CHIENDENT, the dance company who have accompanied the Gaё Bolg Live Band during our last dates. They will do 3 creations (1 each day!) with friends and guests!!!