Of The Wand And The Moon
OF THE WAND AND THE MOON
Of The Wand & The Moon is a Danish neofolk and dark folk project founded by Kim Larsen in the late 1990s in Copenhagen. Emerging from the underground scene, Larsen had previously been involved in industrial and experimental music, most notably with the band Saturnus (early on) and later the more industrial project Sol Invictus collaborations and related circles, before fully shaping his own distinct artistic direction.
Of The Wand & The Moon began as a more raw and minimal project, drawing heavily on lo-fi production, melancholic guitar work, and repetitive, hypnotic structures. Early releases were steeped in themes of mysticism, pagan symbolism, and introspection—hallmarks of the broader neofolk genre that developed across Europe in the 1980s and 1990s.
Over time, Larsen refined the sound into something more melodic and accessible while still retaining its ritualistic and somber core. Albums like Nighttime Nightrhymes (1999), Emptiness: Emptiness: Emptiness (2001), and Sonnenheim (2005) helped establish the project’s identity, blending acoustic instrumentation with subtle electronic textures and a strong sense of atmosphere.
A notable turning point came with The Lone Descent (2011), widely regarded as one of the project’s most cohesive and emotionally resonant works. It introduced richer arrangements and clearer production, bringing Of The Wand & The Moon to a broader international audience while maintaining its introspective, almost spiritual tone.
Throughout its history, the project has remained closely tied to the European neofolk scene, often sharing stages and audiences with acts like Death in June and Current 93. Despite shifts in sound and production, Kim Larsen has kept Of The Wand & The Moon a deeply personal endeavor, with lyrics often exploring solitude, nature, existential reflection, and the passage of time.
Today, Of The Wand & The Moon remains one of the defining acts of modern neofolk, balancing darkness and beauty in a way that feels both timeless and intimate.
