A Concept Album and 'Rock Opera' About the Last Days of Hugh Despenser
It's not often that I get a message from the lead singer of a Canadian Gothic Shock/Rock band saying that he has written a rock opera about Hugh Despenser. Of course, I was more than a little excited and intrigued - as well as slightly anxious - to see what Xerxes Praetorius Horde had in mind. I needn't have worried: the concept video for 'This Treason' (see below) blew me away with the intensity of its story-telling and, of course, the great music itself. OK, this kind of music may not be to everyone's taste, but I urge you to give it a go - you may be pleasantly surprised.
Concerning the whole concept itself, the Horde explained that it is about Hugh Despenser (the main man on this site) and his role in the last days of Edward II's reign. The songs, all 'sung' from the different viewpoints of those around Hugh provide a framework for the last days. At the end, Hugh realises his wickedness and knows that his redemption lies in his death through a hideous execution, thereby atoning not only for his sins, but also those of Edward and the ruling nobility of England. You could say that Hugh, in this work, becomes a figure of sacrifice, dying horribly so that others may be set free. I look forward to reviewing the whole album soon, but until then - please enjoy!
Find out more about the band at The New Jacobin Club website
Concerning the whole concept itself, the Horde explained that it is about Hugh Despenser (the main man on this site) and his role in the last days of Edward II's reign. The songs, all 'sung' from the different viewpoints of those around Hugh provide a framework for the last days. At the end, Hugh realises his wickedness and knows that his redemption lies in his death through a hideous execution, thereby atoning not only for his sins, but also those of Edward and the ruling nobility of England. You could say that Hugh, in this work, becomes a figure of sacrifice, dying horribly so that others may be set free. I look forward to reviewing the whole album soon, but until then - please enjoy!
Find out more about the band at The New Jacobin Club website