heathenstormAlthough I knew there were challenges ahead as the world ticked into 2024, I had no expectation of the struggles that would manifest from week one. Launching straight into the Mentors tour as festive fireworks still echoed was hardly the wisest timing; but through grit, good humour, and the able help of the Witchfinder, we made it a success.
With barely time to confirm venues and announce the Diocletian tour, a prolonged and vicious assault against my work began. Open threats made due to my association with Solstice soon impacted business outside the band. AI-generated screeds of anonymous accusation and outright fabrication risked cancellation of the entire tour. I thank the venues and promoters who saw these empty words for what they were – rewarded by sell-out shows across the country – and regret that others were so easily swayed despite our well-reasoned and oft-repeated rebuke.
Courage tested, and hesitant at the hand dealt my way in spite, I had no choice but to step up and stand against such petty subterfuge. Backing down is never an option, however tempting an easy life, and through stubborn resilience I found a notable shift in my friendships.
Those previously silent spoke in confidence, offering much needed words of support and deeds of decency – agreeing in areas of contention and respecting the right to disagree when not. Even as other promoters, in self-righteous convenience, colluded to run me out of their tiny fiefdoms.
Chatlogs from not-so-private ‘activist’ groups made for grim reading. My name, and those of my friends, fervently smeared by strangers. Contriving enemies across irrelevant and incorrect political divides for the sake of age-old grudges.
My bandmates rallied around me and I for them, inspirational in consistent strength of character. Facing cowardly condemnation from all quarters, we chose to focus on band business. Re-emerging around the Summer Sunstead to announce the Deströyer 666 tour and our signing to Prophecy Productions.
That tour was predictably targeted also, with disapprovers aflame in their apoplexy. The Glasgow show stalked with the social panache of a Peeping Tom. Full respect to those in London who shone a light on the more vocal detractors by naming and shaming at the venue.
Despite the efforts of those who seek silence, the bands played on. Each tour thrived in its own way, followed by smaller shows with Abysmal Grief and Deitus. I reflect positively on the outcome, even if future events are on hold as I focus elsewhere.
For such distractions take their toll. Energies devoted towards doing the right thing in the immediate gnawed away at the progress of long-term projects. Creativity stalled. Accountability waned. Health suffered. Balance restores.
It took a long time to return to the Orphan shoot, and I am deeply grateful we finally have a working cast and crew eager to bring it together – once schedules synchronise again.
Solstice grows from strength to strength. The current line-up is the tightest I have experienced in my six years on bass, united by an outlaw attitude and will to make music beyond the tropes of trite expectation. Prophecy Fest was a stand-out show, winning over the German crowd and justifying our place on such a prestigious label. Followed swiftly by a packed-out rampage across Finland, the support we’ve seen on all sides of the stage has been phenomenal.
I find myself walking different social circles now, having deftly circumnavigated the backbiting barriers evoked by gossip and hearsay. Feeble accusations dissipated by positive action, I cultivate kindness.
Renowned artists and musicians across the globe have reached out in respect of my stance. Deeper, more sincere friendships emerge, and bonds of blood and belonging are forged.
Yet the greatest triumph of this year is one which must be held tightest to my chest. All the effort and care invested into staying the course these past twelve months has been tremendously rewarded, as I do what I’ve always dreamed of at a scale unimagined. With wonderful opportunities already embraced on mutually beneficial terms and prosperity assured through hard work ahead.
It is the way of the weak to undermine all endeavours, and I am disappointed I cannot be more open about this achievement – mindful as I am of further feckless sabotage. A scar in the battle of hearts and minds. A blemish on the face of candour. But despite the schemes of lesser men, I have never been more certain of myself.
Success against organised adversity is the most radical response of all…
… and said I wouldn’t surrender!
https://heathenstorm.com/2024/12/31/the-year-that-radicalised-me/
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Moshville Times
Halbeard
Stefan Krieger
KinoGhoul
