Awakening of the Storms
Photo session 2021
Ślęża – The Mountain That Has Accompanied Graveland Since the Beginning
The history of Graveland has been connected with the ancient pagan mountain of Ślęża since the very beginning. It was here that we created our first photo sessions, and after many years we have returned once again to this place, which has always held a special meaning for us.
The extraordinary aura of this mountain, its wildness, isolation, and untouched character create an atmosphere that makes every photograph taken here carry a unique spirit. We have always chosen hidden places, far away from crowded paths, where we can remain alone with nature and the ancient energy of the land.
Ślęża has been a place of ancient worship for centuries. Not only the Slavs practiced their beliefs here – traces of Celtic influence have also been confirmed by numerous archaeological discoveries. Ancient ritual statues, stone embankments, and burial mounds scattered around the foothills of the mountain are silent witnesses of the sacred character this place possessed for people who lived here many centuries ago.
When we created the photo sessions for the albums “The Celtic Winter” and “Thousand Swords”, it was not only the beauty of nature that brought us here. It was the atmosphere of this place itself – its history, mystery, and the invisible presence that can be felt while wandering alone through the ancient forests and paths of Ślęża.
After many years of exploring this mountain, I discovered locations that perfectly fit the visual world of Graveland and my other projects. Ślęża became a natural setting for many of our visions. Over the years, photo sessions here were also created for bands such as Perunwit, Lord Wind, Woodtemple, Nerium, and probably many others.
For the “Awakening of the storms” album, I decided to create photographs near the place where pagan ceremonies connected with Samhain have been held for many years. There are massive rock formations hidden among the wild forest, creating a landscape that brings to mind the atmosphere of “The Lord of the Rings” – dark and forgotten lands, where the Fellowship travelled through endless wilderness surrounded by gloomy cliffs and ancient woods.
The most remarkable light appears there in the middle of summer, around the time of the summer solstice. However, for many photo sessions I deliberately chose September or October, because the autumn atmosphere, mist, and golden colours of the forest perfectly reflect the spirit and imagery of Graveland.
The photographs presented here were taken on 15 October 2021.
The photographer was my wife Olga.
Camera: Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
