The Greekish Life
Books and Music
Daemonia Nymphe
Gimme That (REAL) Old Time Religion
Daemonia Nymphe's wild and weird music takes you back to the shadowy groves and torch-lit temples of ancient Greece.
Formed in 1994 by Spyros Giasafakis and Evi Stergiou, the band plays a mix of authentic ancient-styled instruments like the lyre and double flute, as well as electric guitar and other modern instruments. They perform their shows in masks and ancient-style dresses, playing up the mysterious, theatrical vibe.
Their style is sometimes called "neofolk" or "neoclassical". If there was such a thing as an ancient Greek equivalent of a Renaissance Faire, these guys would be headlining.
(Some of you just read that and leaned in closer, while others are lunging for their mouse so they can click right out. Hang in there with me a minute longer, won't you?)
Their music is haunting and wild, with chants to Pan and hymns to Gaia. This isn't light listening, but rather a peek into the band's vision of what ceremonies and bacchanalia might have sounded like over 2000 years ago.
It's odd, beautiful, creepy, rockin' and "out there" by turns. While definitely not for everybody, this is also Greek music.
Lest anyone see this name and think "daemon" = "demon"...Nope!. Not the same thing at all, so please don't hurt yourself running to fetch an exorcist.
In ancient Greece daemons (also spelled "daimons") were benign spiritual helpers or a protective angelic "higher self". They were sometimes called "agathodaemon" or "noble spirit", particularly when they protected the ancient fields and vineyards. They were personal companion spirits who ensured health and luck.
So, no need to fling holy water at your monitor.
Curious?
Here's a playlist on Spotify that should give you a good sampling of their wild and witchy tunes. From the rock-infused "Thracian Gaia" to the gently driving rhythms of "Divine Goddess of Fertility", from the dreamy "Hypnos" to the fierce and feral "Dance of the Satyrs", this collection will give you a sense of time-travelling back to ancient torchlit spectacles. For those of you already inclined towards the weird, witchy and wonderful, I hope it inspires you to dig deeper into their mystical music.
Interested in more Greek music? Take a look at our Books & Music page!
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