Folk duo Tabernis reveals new single 'Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied)' • GRIMM Gent

Folk duo TABERNIS channel the Middle Ages with their new single, “Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied).” The second single off of their upcoming album, Seasons of the Dark Hive, out April 24 via Napalm Records, shows their alluring devotion to the craft, as it is a rendition of an actual medieval song! Their version of celebrated German poet Walther von der Vogelweide’s 13th-century “Palestine Song,” one of the most famous surviving medieval songs, bestows a special historicism upon TABERNIS‘ alluring debut.

TABERNIS about “Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied)”:

“We have covered the instrumental version of this iconic medieval masterpiece, which is known to everyone. Out of deep respect for the original work, we decided to adapt it to our own style. In our version, the music is interwoven with a text evoking the season of our Dark Hive: Vespera — the rest, the twilight. As the cold covers the land, the bees huddle together to protect their Queen and preserve the heart of the hive.”

Hear the call: TABERNIS summon the shadows for their debut album, Seasons of the Dark Hive, coming April 26 via Napalm Records. Born out of a passion for history, the enigmatic folk duo created an immersive sound, with bagpipes and davul bringing medieval times to life. 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.

Crafting captivating tunes from echoes of the past, TABERNIS explore age-old heritage with an almost other-worldly charm. Reaching out into the darkness, the duo arranges an ethereal undertow as seductive as honey. Seasons of the Dark Hive is an intoxicating experience, an alluring journey into the shadows. Amidst the bees, you are never alone. Together, we rise. Welcome to the Dark Hive.

TABERNIS about Seasons of the Dark Hive:

“The album Season of the Dark Hive came to life naturally, without ever forcing anything. We let the energies that live within us come out in an authentic way, using the keys we have at our disposal. With the support of Napalm Records, we can deliver quality work and open the world of TABERNIS to humans from all horizons. We drew from cultures and musical styles from all eras, from everything that has inspired us through the ages, while keeping our foundation: drum & bagpipe. This is only the beginning of the story. The energies of the seasons guide our lives and our strength, just as they do on this album.”

Order Your Copy of Seasons of the Dark Hive NOW!

Seasons of the Dark Hive tracklisting:
“Sanctus”
“Tenebrae”
“Noctilis”
“Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied)”
“Sylvanot”
“Verbah Oblitah”
“Aurora”
“Florenscentia”
“Apem Vidi (Ai Vist Lo Lop)”
“Lupanar Apum”
“Apiare”
“Hive Dance (Bransle du maître de la maison)”
“Meliferum”
“Calcinae”
“Apes Saltis”

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 (Bransle du 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.

TABERNIS LIVE 2026:
Festivals
4/4 — Mons, Belgium — Trolls & Légendes
5/23 — Leipzig, Germany — Wave-Gotik-Treffen
6/11–6/12 — Kranichfeld, Germany — Sternenklang Festival
6/13 — Holzappel, Germany — Mahlstrom Open Air
6/20 — Merseburg, Germany — Schlossfestspiele Merseburg
8/8–8/9 — Hildesheim, Germany — M’era Luna
9/12 — Erfurt, Germany — Fantasypark