Tabernis have signed their first record deal with Napalm Records, marking a major step forward for the shadow-dwelling project. The partnership will see the release of Tabernis’ debut full-length album, “Seasons of the Dark Hive“, arriving April 24, 2026.

Rooted in a deep fascination with history, ritual, and ancient craftsmanship, Tabernis bring medieval worlds to life through an immersive sound built around bagpipes and davul. Their music weaves dark mysticism with haunting harmonies, drawing inspiration from sacred tradition and the symbolic language of beekeeping. Having already appeared at major festivals such as Wacken and Summer Breeze Open Air on the strength of their debut EP, the duo are now ready to unveil the full scope of their vision.

Tabernis described the signing in characteristically poetic terms: “The hum crossed the veil. From age to age, carried by breath and memory, the Dark Hive endured… Recognizing this living ritual, Napalm Records joins the Dark Hive, carrying the hum beyond its origin.”

Napalm Records’ A&R Nadir Amrioui echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the instinctive nature of the collaboration: “Some frequencies are not sought; they find you… we recognized more than just music—we found a purpose.”

Spanning fifteen tracks, “Seasons of the Dark Hive” unfolds as an apicultural ritual in sound. From the opening invocation “Sanctus” to atmospheric instrumentals like “Tenebrae” and “Noctilis,” the album moves between buzzing vitality and meditative drone. Historical reverence lies at its core, most notably in “Mel Obscurum (Palästinalied),” Tabernis’ interpretation of Walther von der Vogelweide’s 13th-century Palestine Song, and “Hive Dance (Le maître de la maison),” based on a late medieval French dance tune. Sparse instrumentation, subtle string work from a “Dark Monk,” distorted whispers, and even the hum of bees combine to create a singular, immersive atmosphere.

Photo: Ingmar Wein