Dead Spells

Society of the Silver Cross is a Seattle-based band weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of sound with their new album, Festival of Invocations. Fronted by songwriters Joe Reineke (The Meices, Alien Crime Syndicate) and Karyn Gold-Reineke, the band explores profound themes of life and death, beauty and darkness, guiding listeners through otherworldly realms that blur the boundaries between worlds. Their music immerses audiences in a trance-like journey of introspection and exploration.At the heart of their sound lies a seamless fusion of lush organic instrumentation and immersive soundscapes. Drawing inspiration from the rich musical traditions of India, Society of the Silver Cross incorporates 12-string acoustic guitar, harmonium, Hammond B3 organ, Shahi Baaja (Indian autoharp), rare synthesizers, and commanding rhythms. The result is a spellbinding blend of hypnotic melodies, dark undertones, and twisted Americana. Critics have described their sound as haunting, gothic Graceland, funeral home rock, and even yogic metal.Festival of Invocations, five years in the making, has earned praise from Rolling Stone as a sonic odyssey that leads listeners through otherworldly realms and from SPIN as an eerie, hypnotic spell pulling listeners into a dark, cinematic world. This album follows their critically acclaimed debut, 1 Verse (2019), lauded as one of the years most unique and compelling debuts.The bands live performances, enriched by drummer Mark Etherington and Mellotron/Shahi Baaja player and back-up vocalist Leeni Ramadan, are both dynamic and captivating.Society of the Silver Cross reimagines contemporary Gothic music, blending mystery, romance, and spiritualism into their evocative sound. Their music transcends earthly bounds, leaving a profound and lasting impact on listeners and the modern music scene alike.