Occult inspired ensembles draw inspiration from mystical and supernatural elements, often incorporating symbols and imagery associated with occultism. These ensembles can range from subtle nods to the occult to more overt and costume-like outfits. One way to incorporate occult elements into an ensemble is through the use of symbolic jewelry. Skulls, pentagrams, and astrology-themed pieces are common choices for those looking to add a touch of the occult to their outfit. Wearing multiple rings with occult symbols, layered necklaces with mystical pendants, or statement earrings featuring moon phases can instantly convey an occult aesthetic. Another way to incorporate occult elements is through the use of fabrics and patterns.
The band's debut album, the June-released Alternate Universe, is an occult-inspired piece of rock music that finds the seven-piece ensemble singing about magical serpents, witches and astral creatures.
The track, Thelemic Chant on Led Zeppelin III features a recitation of Crowley s Liber AL vel Legis Black Dog is inspired by Crowley s poem, Hymn to Satan and the lyrics to Stairway To Heaven reference Crowley s concept of the shadow self. The Melbourne quartet, led by the engaging howled vocals of Nikki Brumen, supported by the huge riffs of Xavier Santilli, booming basslines of Dan Bonnici and driving drums of Matt Marasco, put on a hell of a show that along with this year s debut album shows why so many people are swiftly being put under their spell.
Another way to incorporate occult elements is through the use of fabrics and patterns. Velvet, lace, and dark, rich colors such as black, deep purple, and red are commonly associated with occult-inspired fashion. Intricate lace patterns, Victorian-inspired silhouettes, and flowing maxi dresses can further enhance the mystical atmosphere of the outfit.
‘Very heavy pop songs’ influenced by cults and the Occult: An interview with Pagan
Given they’re self-monikered as ‘real-life/pretend vampires playing real-life/pretend rock and roll,’ you might be surprised to hear Pagan describe their music as: “Just very heavy pop songs.” But that phrase is a perfect explanation of why the Australian rockers are swiftly building a cult-like following around the world.
Last month we were lucky enough to witness Pagan perform ritual numero uno on British soil, at The Old Blue Last in Shoreditch alongside Phoxjaw. And prior to the show, we were even more lucky to have a chat with the band to dig further into the roots of the intrigue behind this exciting new band.
The Melbourne quartet, led by the engaging howled vocals of Nikki Brumen, supported by the huge riffs of Xavier Santilli, booming basslines of Dan Bonnici and driving drums of Matt Marasco, put on a hell of a show that – along with this year’s debut album – shows why so many people are swiftly being put under their spell.
Not only do they create very heavy, groove-led music, but the content of their music is also fascinating. When we originally interviewed the band back in June, Dan described Nikki’s writing influences as “True crime, occult and horror films and all those nice wholesome things,” so we were keen to get Nikki’s deeper insight into her inspirations.
She told us: “The album in itself is very personal for me, it was about a break-up I went through and looks at the start of the break-up, the middle and the end and how it all fell apart. But then in hindsight, looking at that relationship I realised how controlling the person was that I was with.
“Around the same time I was reading up a lot on the Jonestown Massacre, and I use a lot of metaphor in some of the songs about how and why it is that certain people need to get up and lead a bigger group – like a cult leader for example – and how it is that those people really can be brainwashed like that.
“So those kind of themes sit in the album, and I use a lot of metaphor around what it’s like to be a woman. So the emotional landscape of women opposed to men, hormone changes and how it can be built as a negative thing to be sensitive and emotional, whereas I think it’s a really positive thing because you’re being really honest about your feelings. So I’ve incorporated a lot of metaphor around the cult thing but really personal issues throughout the album as well, so it was very therapeutic to write it.”
Bizarrely, the day before we interviewed the band a BBC feature revealed the plight of a woman who was rebuilding her life after surviving the Jonestown Massacre, which was intriguing timing. Check out the video for Imitate Me below to get a taste of the Pagan sound.
As you can probably gather from Nikki, the vocals play a very prominent role in the whole Pagan experience. When asked about their creative process, Dan explains: “Usually Xavier or I will skeleton a song. The process is pretty typical rock band, which we’re going to try and move away from in the next record, but on this album, Xavier and I would write a bunch of riffs and put it together in a skeleton then Matt will think of drumbeats.
“It’s pretty standard but it tends to change a lot too, in that what one of us generally adds ends up being very different to what we initially anticipated. That can be hard sometimes as you get pretty attached to something, but then it also wouldn’t sound like Pagan if that process didn’t happen.
“The biggest thing for us is we just try to write stuff that feels very organic and natural, and leave heaps of room for Nikki to do her thing vocally. We’ve played in bands previously where the vocals were a bit of an afterthought so this time we’revery conscious of that – they’re just very heavy pop songs at the end of the day.”
As alluded to, the band’s debut album Black Wash was released in July, and it’s an absolute banger that showcases the band’s rare ability to create seriously heavy music that also just makes you want to boogie. When we first interviewed the band, Dan told us the expectation of the album’s release was like: “a parent seeing a child leave home for the first time,” so we were keen to get their thoughts since its release.
On the album, Nikki told us: “It’s sort of done better than we expected it would, which was amazing. We were all super proud with what we created and knew we couldn’t do any better than it was. But it’s amazing how it’s been received and the opportunities that arose from there. We put lots of hard work in and it came out well.”
The band tell us that social media has played a major part in spreading the Pagan word and, in particular, Spotify, thanks to its ability to help listeners find new bands.
Nikki told us: “The digital age generally helps, but Spotify for sure as you can see how many followers and streams a song has, and unlike Facebook and Instagram where you can buy followers. So it’s very honest.”
While Dan adds: “You can see very honest statistics about who’s been listening to us, and we’re really lucky that we got added to some really cool playlists which helps a whole bunch. We just got added to one called Complete Chaos which has 95,000 followers, most of which I presume haven’t heard of Pagan before. It really breaks the barriers down and creates one big world of music.”
To prove the latter point, looking at Pagan’s Spotify page now their ‘related artists’ points the listener in the direction of the UK’s own Palm Reader and Svalbard, Danish band MOL, Zeal & Ardor and three bands I’ve never heard of: Clowns, Outright and High Tension – who I may go and give a listen to after writing this interview up. And that really shows the power of the platform in helping you discover new music with ease.
The band completed a UK tour through November, beginning in London then taking in Bristol, Manchester, Bournemouth, Leeds and Milton Keynes before coming back to London after a few shows in Europe. And on London specifically, Nikki told us: “It’s exceeded my expectations, it’s so amazing and so many good food places and coffee shops.”
While Dan expanded: “Culturally it’s really lovely, the architecture is beautiful. It’s funny too as an Australian, there’s sort of a stigma about Australians that go to London. It almost put me off coming, and it wasn’t high up on my places to travel. But to come here it’s just really beautiful, and I love how different suburbs are from one to the next.”
If you missed out on seeing Pagan when they were in the UK, or if you’re reading this in Australia, then believe us you really have missed out. On the Pagan live show, Nikki tells us: “It’s not just going to see a band, it’s a performance. We’ve really put a lot of thought into making an actual show, the set and making it as seamless as we can and just a bit of a party. Disco vibes and loads of dancing.
And Dan adds: “I think people are usually surprised at how dancey the show is as opposed to being ultra-aggressive. It’s the kind of environment we like, rather than people trying to kill each other. we want them to have a good time and to remember the show and think about it for weeks afterwards.” Check out the video below for a taster of their live show.
You can see in your New Year with a ritual of Pagan worship at Crowbar in Sydney, while the band will also be playing Unify Festival in January, then touring Australia in April.
If you’ve not checked them out yet then we firmly recommend you go and give Black Wash a listen and, if possible, go and see them play live because it’s one hell of an experience.
You can follow Pagan on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter, and Black Wash is out now on Spotify and all other digital platforms here.
Once labelled, “The wickedest man in the world“, Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was an influential and highly controversial British occultist, writer, poet, magician, and mystic. He was celebrated for his pioneering work in ceremonial magic and occultism, and his books and teachings have been widely read and referenced by artists, philosophers, and musicians alike.
Accessories are also important in completing an occult-inspired ensemble. Wide-brimmed hats, embroidered or lace gloves, and statement belts with ornate buckles can add an extra touch of drama. Adding a mystical touch with tarot card or crystal-themed handbags or crossbody bags can also contribute to the overall occult aesthetic. When it comes to footwear, boots are a popular choice for occult-inspired ensembles. Combat boots, ankle boots with buckles, or platform boots can add a touch of edginess and complement the overall dark and dramatic aesthetic. Boots with occult symbolism such as moon or star motifs can also enhance the theme. Makeup and hair are crucial in completing the overall look. Dark, smoky eyes, bold red or dark lipstick, and contouring can add a dramatic effect to the face. Styling the hair in loose waves or braids and adding hair accessories such as headbands with occult symbols or moon and star hairpins can further enhance the occult theme. Overall, occult-inspired ensembles allow individuals to express their fascination with the mystical and supernatural through fashion. Whether through symbolic jewelry, fabrics, accessories, or makeup and hair, there are countless ways to incorporate occult elements into one's personal style. The key is to embrace the mysterious and create an outfit that reflects the individual's fascination with the occult..
Reviews for "Occult Fashion: Channeling Otherworldly Elegance"
1. Heather - 2/5 rating - I was really disappointed with the "occult inspired ensembles" collection. I found it to be tacky and tasteless. The pieces were overly dramatic and seemed to rely too heavily on clichéd occult symbols like pentagrams and upside-down crosses. It felt like a cheap attempt to capitalize on a trend rather than a thoughtful and innovative design approach. Overall, I was underwhelmed and wouldn't recommend this collection to anyone with a discerning eye for fashion.
2. Alex - 1/5 rating - The "occult inspired ensembles" collection was a complete miss for me. It felt like a lazy attempt to shock and provoke without any substance behind it. The designs lacked creativity and originality, relying on tired clichés to sell. The use of occult symbols felt gimmicky rather than meaningful or thought-provoking. Overall, I found this collection to be uninspired and would not recommend it to anyone looking for unique and thoughtful fashion.
3. Grace - 2/5 rating - I was hoping for something edgy and avant-garde with the "occult inspired ensembles" collection, but it fell flat for me. The designs seemed derivative and uninspiring, lacking any real innovation or creativity. The pieces were hard to wear in everyday life and felt more like costumes than actual clothing. Additionally, the quality of the materials and craftsmanship was disappointing, making the high price tags even more unjustified. I wouldn't recommend investing in this collection unless you're looking for a one-time Halloween costume.