By Keith Walsh
The description ‘dark electronic folk’ isn’t one you hear very often, if ever, but it describes the sound of Hem Netjer perfectly. Led by vocalist Raven Rissy, Hem Netjer work out of Vancouver, B.C., on the West Coast of Canada. They just released a new album, The Song Of Trees.
There’s a pleasant, understated minimalism at play here. Rissy writes songs and lends her talents on a variety of folk instruments, including stringed ones like the harp and fiddle, as well as the clarinet, piano and frame drum (though not all of these appear on The Song Of Trees). With lyrics by Rissy, compositions and instruments by her and David Deckard, and throat singing by Jesse Ellytt, the sound is completely unique.
The effect is enchanting and mystical, as Rissy’s soprano voice — all the while portraying ancient themes — floats above drums and beats, cleverly recorded and mixed by Jason Corbett (Actors) and Scott Fox (Vardensphere) so that there’s no clear line between electronic and acoustic sounds. The Song Of Trees isn’t an album that demands your attention; rather it seduces you.
In a cathartic way, the minor keys and quasi-religious themes borrowing from Ancient Egypt and the new age movement(s) have a transcendent, calming effect. The lyrics tell the story of a spiritual journey — as the name “Hem Netjer” means “God’s Servant” in the Egyptian language. As the opening track “Void” suggests, we are all deeply connected to the void from which we came and to which we will return. The second track “Salt And Tears” features American jazz artist Victor Noriega, as Rissy’s protagonist finds love with another in the darkness. The third track “Eldur,” titled after an Icelandic man’s name, finds inspiration in a love that ignites passion and purpose.
“Freedom” continues the aspirational theme, with a catchy vocal hook and drum beats, while “Connect” is a call to be grounded while dreaming at the same time. “Elemental Cry” is a call for unity, perhaps in a spiritual battle, while recognizing the inevitable fact that our lives are finite. “Otherworld” finds the protagonist searching for the infinite as she travels through life to the next world.
Informed by medieval scales, the melodies of Rissy, Deckard, and Ellytt weave a spell that refers to an ideal world that is mostly unavailable to our senses but always there to guide us. Combined with the Ancient philosophies of the lyrics, The Song Of Trees is a satisfying musical experience that’s rare and unusual.
Hem Netjer On Bandcamp
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Hem Netjer Online
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