Faun – Hex
Release Date: 5th September 2025
Label: Pagan Folk Records
Order/Stream
Genre: Pagan Folk
FFO: Corvus Corax, Heilung, Wardruna.
Review By: Hillary Wisniewski
Germany is a country steeped in pagan traditions; from cities to the countryside, the ancient ways are ever present in some form. Faun delves deep into those roots for their sound and have been doing so since 1998. The line-up has evolved and changed throughout the years, but the commitment to the old ways has been constant. Hex pays homage to the women who make magic happen: witches, healers, and wise women. According to the press release, “Far away from the cliché of the evil fairytale witch, the German ensemble aim to highlight the various aspects of female magic in different cultures and the legitimate question why we still fear the evil witches instead of the people who burned them.” Why indeed? During a time in which women’s roles in many societies are being questioned and restricted, it is important to tap into women’s strength and mystery; Hex assists in this endeavor.
Faun explores many seasons of life throughout this work, as well as cultures. The main point of reference is Germanic culture, but Hex also draws upon Celtic/Anglo-Saxon culture as well. There are scatterings of other areas of influence, including Turkish and Nordic sounds; even a bit of cumbia and reggae beats appear on the track Belladonna. Each song is strongly crafted by skilled musicians who employ a number of instruments including the lute, hurdy-gurdy, harp, bowl fiddle, flute, bagpipes, and synthesisers. The overall sound is one that heavily employs folk elements, but it is more complex than traditional folk music tends to be, given the scope of sound and subject matter. The vocals are a shared duty among members, and the melodies achieved are absolutely gorgeous. Lyrical content explores some of the mythology of the above-mentioned cultures in addition to folk tales, spells, and new takes on songs from pre-Christian times. One can imagine the writing process entails a certain degree of research in order to do these themes justice. A track I’ve had on heavy rotation is Lament which “… is based on a pre-Christian mourning song from the north of England.” Everything about this track is powerful; the music and vocals are well-balanced in such a way that it allows for some breathing room. Isn’t that what we need during times of mourning? Isn’t that a time in which we experience loud, crashing waves of grief and stillness in between? I suppose for me, this is what makes Hex so special; it connects with listeners on an emotional level that is necessary and sometimes lacking in modern music.
Of course this type of album isn’t going to be for everyone depending on one’s taste, but I heartily encourage you to give it a whirl and see what it is about. Hex is a well crafted work of art, and the musicianship is solid. It is an introspective and thoughtful listen that will likely pique your interest in some of the cultures, instruments, and tales behind the music. Life is so much better with some history and magic in the mix, and Faun delivers on those fronts.
(4.5 / 5)
