Napalm Records heard their call: enigmatic folk duo Tabernis has signed their first deal with the Austrian record label. Together, they’re summoning the shadows for Tabernis’ debut album, “Seasons of the Dark Hive”, on April 24th, 2026. Born out of a passion for history, it introduces an alluring journey, bringing medieval times to life through an immersive sound created with bagpipes and davul.
Tabernis intertwine ancient tradition and dark mysticism, their haunting harmonies gifting melodies to the delicate art of beekeeping. Already having performed at major festivals like Wacken and Summer Breeze Open Air off of their debut EP, “Seasons of the Dark Hive” will divulge more of the band’s secrets to an ever-growing following. Amidst the bees, you are never alone. Together, we rise. Welcome to the Dark Hive.
Tabernis about the signing:
“The hum crossed the veil. From age to age, carried by breath and memory, the Dark Hive endured. Tabernis does not follow a path; it resonates. What was once whispered now moves as one again. Recognizing this living ritual, Napalm Records joins the Dark Hive, carrying the hum beyond its origin”.
Napalm Records A&R Nadir Amrioui adds:
“Some frequencies are not sought; they find you. When the first pulse of Tabernis reached us, we recognized more than just music—we found a purpose. Napalm Records does not act as a mere partner but as a sounding board for the Dark Hive and Tabernis”.
Expanding their apiary with fifteen tracks, Tabernis weave pervasive compositions in sacred tradition. Setting the mood as the first call to the eternal dance is “Sanctus”, a summoning of voices, a rhythmic reminder of the strength in many. Following, the duo offers an array of moody instrumentals, some buoyantly buzzing (“Tenebrae”, “Sylvanot”), some pensively droning (“Noctilis”) — all of them mesmerizing. With “Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied)”, Tabernis devote themselves to one of the most famous surviving medieval songs. Their rendition of celebrated German poet Walther von der Vogelweide’s 13th-century “Palestine Song” bestows a special historicism upon “Seasons of the Dark Hive”. “Hive Dance (Le maître de la maison)” stands with similar history, originating from a late medieval French dance tune. The melodies, mainly conducted by only two instruments, are enriched by the subtle presence of a Dark Monk on strings and, on rare occasions, distorted whispers and the soothing humming of bustling bees, consistently conjuring a unique atmosphere. “Seasons of the Dark Hive” is an apicultural ritual, and Tabernis take the lead.
“Seasons of the Dark Hive” will be available in the following formats:
• 1-LP Gatefold (White Label Edition), incl. Booklet, Covercard, Certificate (signed, handnumbered) – strictly limited (Napalm Records Mailorder only)
• Vinyl-Bundle Black incl. Coin Bag, Lore & Notebook, Shaped Patch, 2 Bee Seed Packs – strictly limited (Napalm Records Mailorder only)
• 1-LP Gatefold (Deluxe Edition) TRANSLUCENT YELLOW/BLACK, incl. Booklet – strictly limited (Napalm Records Mailorder only)
• CD-Bundle, incl. Coin Bag, Lore& Notebook, Shaped Patch, 2 Bee Seed Packs – strictly limited (Napalm Records Mailorder only)
• 1-LP Gatefold Black
• 1-CD Digisleeve
• Digital Album
Pre-order & pre-save “Seasons of the Dark Hive” here.
Tracklist:
1. Sanctus
2. Tenebrae
3. Noctilis
4. Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied)
5. Sylvanot
6. Verbah Oblitah
7. Aurora
8. Florenscentia
9. Apem Vidi (Ai Vist Lo Lop)
10. Lupanar Apum
11. Apiare
12. Hive Dance (Bransle du maître de la maison)
13. Meliferum
14. Calcinae
15. Apes Saltis
Festivals 2026:
4.04.26 BE – Mons / Trolls & Légendes
23.05.26 DE – Leipzig / Wave-Gotik-Treffen
11.–12.06.26 DE – Kranichfeld / Sternenklang Festival
13.06.26 DE – Holzappel / Mahlstrom Open Air
20.06.26 DE – Merseburg / Schlossfestspiele Merseburg
8.–9.08.26 DE – Hildesheim / M’era Luna
12.09.26 DE – Erfurt / Fantasypark
Line-up:
Noxifer (Beekeeper) – Bagpipe
Umbrae (Beekeeper) – Davul
Weblinks:
tabernis-music.com
www.facebook.com/Tabernis
