Der Blutharsch ("snow drenched in blood", "dried blood" or "scab" -- but re… Read Full Bio ↴Der Blutharsch ("snow drenched in blood", "dried blood" or "scab" -- but really a reference to a Swiss mercenary company circa 1600 AD) was the primary musical project of Austrian musician Albin Julius. In their early career, Der Blutharsch used neo-nazi and military aesthetics such as the Sig rune, Iron Cross and uniforms in covers, merchandise and concerts. The sound of the project uses heavily layered and textured neoclassical and martial themes which usually unfold over the course of a whole album. Individual tracks are almost always untitled. In its later days, Julius had moved on to psychadelic rock, oficially disbanding in 2010 and reforming as Der Blutharsch and the Infinite Church of the Leading Hand.

Julius co-founded The Moon Lay Hidden Beneath a Cloud along with his then-partner Alzbeth. This project produced more neofolk-based music, based around themes drawn from European history and folklore. Julius has also worked with Douglas P. on the Death In June albums Operation Hummingbird and Take Care & control, and with Boyd Rice on the NON album Children Of The Black Sun. He was also together with Douglas P. part of Boyd Rice and Fiends and has a techno-style project named La Maison Moderne.

Despite denying any claims of neo-fascim in Der Blutharsch's music by Julius, a preliminary injunction against the weekly newspaper "Jungle World" calling the project a "Neo-Nazi Band" was denied by the regional court in Frankenthal, Germany. Arguing that the symbolism used in the project's concerts, merchandise and covers substantiated objective evidence of fascist and national socialist views, Julius' claim was officially dropped.

XII
Der Blutharsch Lyrics

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Was ist das Wunder!

(...) who's there? (...)

(...) [Sampled from The Wicker Man]

(...) für Millionen! [Sampled speech by Hitler]

Overall Meaning

The opening line "Was ist das Wunder!" in Der Blutharsch's song XII is a cry for wonder and amazement at the situation the world is in, questioning the very fabric of existence. The following lines, "who's there?" suggest a sense of unease and questioning, almost as if the singer is unsure of who or what is causing the current state of affairs. The sample from The Wicker Man highlights the theme of mystery, with the unknown lurking in the shadows. The Hitler speech, "für Millionen!" interjects a sense of urgency and danger, with the idea that millions are at risk.

Overall, the lyrics suggest a feeling of chaos and confusion, with a mix of wonder, fear, and urgency. The references to The Wicker Man and Hitler add to the feeling of unease and danger, while also questioning the role of authority and power. The song seems to be an exploration of the darker aspects of society, and a call to question the realities we are presented with.

Line by Line Meaning

Was ist das Wunder!
What is this wonder?

(...) who's there?
Who is present?

(...) [Sampled from The Wicker Man]
This is a sample taken from The Wicker Man.

(...) für Millionen! [Sampled speech by Hitler]
This is a sample taken from a speech given by Hitler for millions of people.

Contributed by Asher T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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