Triskalia

As revieved by Ariel of
Orca Sound

Based out of Montreal, Triskalia came together in 2002 as an alternative Pagan band. Triskalia brings together divergent musical styles to form a unique sound. The songs are based around the themes of Myth, Magick and Mysteries and how they interact with our lives in a modern context. I caught up with Triskalia last night at their show at O'Shea's Bar o­n 5202 Queen-Mary Road. The seats were filled with Triskalia followers, made obvious by their Pagan/Celtic fashions they were sporting. With the smooth, sultry, spiritual sounds coming from the stage it was understandable why Triskalia would have a devoted following of their own. Triskalia woos their listeners with their cool and even rhythms, the amazing vocal range of Elodee, and a style that is all theirs. Triskalia pulls from Pagan tradition the sense that we are all part of the music, and puts it o­n stage with the impression that we have entered a sacred ritual. If not for the electric sounds, I could have closed my eyes and imagined I was at a bonfire and I too was chanting along.

Jason G. Bernard, who leads this hard working band, is an ambitious man with a strong and positive vision of where Triskalia is going in the near future. Jason has taken such a wide blend of musical styles, mixed them together with Pagan traditions and has created a sound that is truly unique and truly Canadian. Even though Triskalia has o­nly been a band for two years, this fine group of musicians play as though they have been together a whole lifetime. Keep an ear out o­n the Canadian Music scene for Triskalia, who knows, possibly a Juno o­ne day.

Check out the new Triskalia CD titled Myth, Magick and Misteries, due to come out in a few weeks. It can be ordered through their website at www.triskalia.com or at select shops.

- http://www.orcasound.com/orc/features.php?s=4&id=165

Triskalia
Myth, Magick and Mysteries
By: Terri
Triskalia
Myth, Magick and Mysteries

This CD is certainly one of the most original offerings to hit my stereo in a long time. Definitely out of the ordinary to the ears, none the less their unique quality is pleasant to listen to. They note themselves as a mix of many genres - starting off with a solid foundation in Pagan / alternative music. Not quite Celtic Fusion or New Age Acoustic, Triskalia mixes it up with rock, pop and folk elements. This eccentric alternative blending lets them explore and experiment with the mysteries of life that decorate our world. While myth and magic are normally placed into the unexplainable category, Triskalia's CD makes a full fledged effort to expand the vocabulary of the unknown.

Using their voices to moderate one's understanding of the music and what's actually being said Triskalia has an exotic sound that often verges on haunting. Elodee's amazing vocal range is nestled into harmonious exchange with guitars, bodhran, violin, and keyboards. Between vocalists Elodee and Jason Bernard, different stories of life and living are spun. "Comme Dans la Nuit" is probably my favorite song because of sweet simple melodies at the end of the track. "Come a Time" features Bernard and really highlights his grungy rocker voice reminiscent of Dylan's nasal twang. Many songs, like "Mabon-Lugh" have a roving rhythmic quality; very enjoyable - even if you have no idea what the singers are singing about! Overall the album is dreamy and lovely, probably due in part to its ethereal ambiguous quality.

Triskalia
Myth, Magick and Mysteries
Available now at Sun Tarot and or online @ www.triskalia.com

- Orca Sound