After being in existence for about a year the band released their first single, Beltaine, which received Radio 1 and regional airplay. However, shortly after this some members of the band drifted away leaving just Candia & Tony. The couple, however, continued in the form of Children of the Moon, a studio-based project in much the same vein as Incubus Succubus. Their material was very well received by the growing Pagan underground scene.
In December 1991 Bob, the original for Incubus Succubus. drummer, rejoined Candia & Tony, and Incubus Succubus was consequently reborn. The band played around Gloucestershire, Bristol and Oxford, and released all of the Children of the Moon material on one cassette album called Beltaine.
In 1992 the band recorded the album Belladonna & Aconite which was released in October. By this time Incubus Succubus were being hailed as `Britain's Premier Pagan Rock band'. 1993 brought offers from independent record companies, which resulted in the release of Belladonna & Aconite on CD in October, and the Wytches CD in April 1994 on Pagan Records.
During 1993 the band toured twice with Nosferatu, and became regulars at the Marquee in London and Nottingham's Rock City. The band's following grew and so did their fame. They appeared on the BBC World Service and in several European, American and Far Eastern magazines. In 1994 they recorded the EP Corn King, did two headline UK tours, played Paris and also supported the likes of The Damned, Zodiac Mindwarp, Clawfinger, Patricia Morrison and The Marionettes. At the very end of December, shot their video "Wytches" at the notorious Barrow Wake Woods.
In 1994 Incubus Succubus continued touring, and relesed the album "WYTCHES".
In 1995 Incubus Succubus played alongside The Mission, Genitorturers and Danzig at two prestigious German festivals. By this time they had also appeared on many compilation Gothic CDs including What Sweet Music... I & II released by Thee Vampire Guild, Dreams in the Witch House released by Grave News, Touched by the Hand of Goth from Euromedia and Jungle's Gothic Rock 2. In 1995 they signed to Resurrection Records and released the much-awaited album Heartbeat of the Earth at the end of October. The album was promoted with a successful tour where the new material was welcomed with enthusiasm.
In the spring of `95 it was decided that the spelling of the band's name would change to Inkubus Sukkubus for numerological reasons, and with this came other notable changes. The live band went through a stunning metamorphosis and they now play with a drum machine and full programmed orchestral backing from sequencers giving the richness and diversity of sound and emotion previously found only in the recorded band. Bob returned to his first instrument and began to play bass guitar for Inkubus Sukkubus, and the distinctive celtic bodhran was maintained as an integral part of the live as well as recorded I.S. In March 1996 Inkubus Sukkubus appeared on the popular British nationwide television programme, The Big Breakfast and were filmed playing live by The Girlie Show, another nationwide quirky youth show!
In May/June 1996 I.S. did a very successful tour of Germany - including a return trip to Paris - so winning over a new army of followers. They returned to Germany as well as playing for the first time in Belgium in the Autumn of 1996. Also in 1996, by popular demand, the band's first album, Beltaine, was released on CD for the first time through Resurrection Records. On 23rd November 1996 Inkubus Sukkubus were invited to perform at the Pagan Federation's 25th Anniversary Annual Conference. The day was a great success, and the band rounded it off by playing to an enthusiastic spiral dancing crowd. During 1996 Adam Henderson rejoined the band as bass guitarist.
1997 brought more appearances on compilation CDs including the 3rd and final Vampire Guild release, What Sweet Music... R.I.P. with their track Vampyre Erotica; the CD to accompany Mick Mercer's new book, The Hex Files with the track Heart of Lilith; a 4 CD compilation (Cleopatra Records) called The Goth Box; and a cover version of Spellbound on a Siouxsie & the Banshees tribute CD also on Cleopatra. On 24th August 1997, six weeks after the birth of Tony and Candia's baby boy Leon, the band headlined a major convention at the Hippodrome in London - Vampyria - featuring many well-known horror authors as well as stars from the world of Hammer to over 1000 enthusiastic fans. The band released their fifth album, Vampyre Erotica, exploring wilder as well as more sombre and haunting moods. It was released 22nd September 1997 and was promoted by a series of UK dates including headlining the now-famous Whitby Gothic Weekend on Hallowe'en.
1998 proved to be a very exciting year for Inkubus Sukkubus. In February they headlined The Bank in Manhattan, New York promoted by Sabretooth Inc. to a capacity audience. They returned to Belgium in the spring, and during the summer they headlined a major festival held in a medieval castle in the Polish mountains. They also headlined the annual Sacrosanct festival in London. September 1998 found the band performing at Vampyria II which was held at the Camden Palace in London to a capacity crowd of around 1600 people, shortly followed by Symphony of Shadows Festival at Whitby, N. Yorkshire (home of Bram Stoker's Dracula). Inkubus were also invited back to play the Annual Pagan Federation Conference on 21st November where around 1700 pagans attended from all over the world. They also returned to the U.S. at the end of October to tour, culminating in a show in New Orleans on Hallowe'en. The CD entitled Away with the Faeries, was previewed at Vampyria II, and was available on general release in November. The recording was a limited edition album featuring 6 new studio tracks along with 9 live tracks recorded recently in the band's home town of Cheltenham.
In 1999 Inkubus Sukkubus toured Germany, France Belgium, America, as well as the UK. They also released the album entitled ' Wild'. They continued to consolidate their position as the world's biggest and most popular Pagan Rock band and launched their domain site, www.inkubussukkubus.com.
During 2000 Inkubus Sukkubus toured the UK and Germany and Inkubus Sukkubus headlined the Whitby Gothic Festival (at the time the biggest Gothic Festival in the World). The band wrote and recorded their 8th album, 'Supernature', and also played Greece and France. The year was seen out headlining a celebratory Yule festival in Chicago, USA.
2001 saw Inkubus Sukkubus go from strength to strength. They appeared three times on Channel 4 television this year, and also released their eighth album 'Supernature' on vinyl and CD (with CD-ROM section). The band toured the UK and headlined the Gotham Festival in London. They also headlined the Reading Goth Festival, and supported Marilyn Manson on the mainstage at the M'era Luna Festival to an audience of over 24,000. The year also saw Inkubus Sukkubus make major intrusions into cyberspace; in the first six months or so, their MP3 site www.mp3.com/inkubussukkubus had over 400,000 downloads. The Band finished of the year by playing the 10th Anniversary of the Return of the Dead festival in Hamburg, and a couple of gigs in an unexpectedly snowy, yet still welcoming, Italy.
2002 saw the band increase their profile on the Internet becoming the most downloaded Goth band in the world. They also re-released the WYTCHES album and continued to play Europe and the UK.
During 2003 The band have released their 9th album "The Beast with Two Backs" on October 31st . The Band also played Belgium, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, UK and Germany, Including the Wave Gotik Treffen in Liepzig. They played The Black Elben Festival - Dortmund, and Headlined the Whitby Goth Festival with Wayne Hussey and All About Eve, aswell as Playing The Witchfest Festival in London with the Medieval Baebes. The Band have also went on to be the most downloaded UK band on MP3.COM with 1,500,000+ downloads.
During 2004 Inkubus Sukkubus Headlined the Gotham Festival in London and played a charity gig at the Gloucester Guildhall. The band also wrote most of the tracks for the next album that will be released in 2005. The Band were also active on Soundclick maintaining the number one position in the Goth Rock chart for almost the entire year.
In 2005 Inkubus Sukkubus played a series of dates in the UK , Sweden, Norway and Denmark, Russia and Australia, they also released their tenth album, called "Witchqueen".
In 2006 Inkubus Sukkubus continued playing across Europe with gigs in the UK, Portugal, Turkey and Germany, they also made two videos for Church of Madness and Wytches, as well as an unreleased one for Vampire Erotica, Tony McKormack also made five videos with his side project Vampire Division.
In 2007 the band played more live dates in the UK and Europe and released the Album Science and Nature.
2008, and Inkubus Sukkubus began playing the UK with their new animated video backdrop, produced by band guitarist Tony McKormack .The band also released the album Viva la Muerte .
In 2009 Inkubus Sukkubus celebrated their 20th Anniversary . With 13 albums relesed to date, hundereds of gigs played and millions of internet downloads they have so far had a long and productive career.During 2009 they played several dates including Finland, Lithuaniaina, Germanyand Mexico. The actually performed tracks from the their newly released Mexican themed Album, "Viva la Muerte" on The Mexican Day of the Dead in Mexico City. The also played several gigs performing acoustic versions of their popular tracks. They are currently writting new material for a future release.
In 2010 Inkubus Sukkubus released, Viva la Muerte internationally. Inkubus Sukkubus also had the track Death Comes available to download and play in the video game Rock Band, here . And four more tracks were released in this format throughout the year. 2010 also saw Bob Gardener return to the band as bass guitaris, and the re-release of the WYTCHES album as a special edition digi pack using artwork based on the original concept dating back to 1993. Inkubus Sukkubus also released the Dark Goddess Album, which is considered by some to be their greatest work. The album was initially only available for sale from their website.
2011 The Dark Goddess album has been repressed, and was released internationally in February, The band's first CD album Belladonna & Aconite was also digitally re-mastered and relesed in April) They contiued playing live and recorded another album entitled "The Goat" , which was initially available from their website and was on international release in February 2012. The Vampire Division (Tony McKormack's solo project) , Album, The Dead Unleashed was also released on October 31st.
2012 saw INKUBUS SUKKUBUS continue to play live in the UK and Europe. The Goat album was re-pressed earlier in the year and the band are currently recorded a new album which it is hoped to be released before the end of the year. During this year the band have also been working on the acoustic set that they sometimes play, with the incorperation of different songs. There are also plans to gradually release digitally remastered versions of all of the out of print albums.
2013 There are already several interesting developments this year for Inkubus Sukkubus. The forthcoming release of a double anthology album in the USA on Cleopatra Records, and the Release of Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell their 16th Album. Inkubus Sukkubus have also played Belgium and Germany, and headlined the Bram Stocker film festival in Whitby.
During 2013 the band will also played several Fairey Festivals and began remixing some of the all time favorite tracks, into new and interesting versions.
The band had their 25 year aniversary in 2014. In March Inkubus Sukkubus releaed their 18th Album entitled "Love Poltergeist", which has so far proven highly popular and has to date out sold all of their recent albums, those released since the advent of filesharing. The band are played several times throughout the year, in the UK, Europe. In May 2014 Inkubus Sukkubus was joined by Bassist Dave Saunders, who replaced Bob Gardener, who had to leave due to family comitments.
In 2015 Inkubus Sukkubus continued to perform in the UK, Scandinavia and Europe, They are also released another Album, entitled MOTHER MOON around the end of October.
2016 saw the release of the 20th Inkubus Sukkubus Album; "Barrow Wake", which is a compilation of tracks by the band that fall into the "Horror Folk" genre. The album consists of previously released material, re-recordings of older tracks and completely new material. Inkubus Sukkubus also released in the last monts of 2016, Wikka Woman their 21st Studio Album. Another voyage into the Supernatural Realm. This album clearly demonstrates the skill and determination of this unique band who are actually increasing in momentum with the passing of time.
2017 saw Inkubus Sukkubus releasing their 22nd Studio album "Belas Knapp" "Tales of Witchcraft and Wonder Part 2" which is intended as a companion album to "Barrow Wake" in the Summer. The band are also due to continue their gigging schedule in the UK , Europe and the Americas, in both their electric and extended acoustic formats, The band are had been joined by Roland Link on bass guitar, and for the extended acoustic version of the band have been joined by Marcus Gilvier, Nick Gibbs and Abi Blackman. Inkubus Sukkubus are also writing and recording a further vampire themed album, due for release in the Winter, and the third and final part of their "Horror Folk" trilogy. these releases are the band's 23rd and 24th albums, and are testament to their longevity and creative fire.
In 2003 Tony McKormack formed Vampire Division as a side project to Inkubus Sukkubus.
Official website: http://www.inkubussukkubus.com
Church of Madness
Inkubus Sukkubus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dressed in red and white
To bring the Holy Word and set the world alight
Here comes a plague of idiots blinded by their faith
Here comes the Inquisition to burn you at the stake
Here comes the Church of Madness
Bearing gifts of death and torture
Here comes the Church of Madness
The fire and the fury
To be our judge to be our jury
Here comes the Church of Madness
Of Jesus Christ their Lord
A new dark age descending, it's Torquemada's dream
Liberty lies raped, crushed, broken
Neath the Christian war machine
Nation after nation falling
In the shadow of the Christian sword
With death they bring the lore of love
Here comes the Church of Madness
Bearing gifts of death and torture
Here comes the Church of Madness
Of Jesus Christ their Lord
The fire and the fury
To be our judge to be our jury
Here comes the Church of Madness
Of Jesus Christ their Lord
(aaaaaaah)
What do they tell the people of their old crusades?
Of the women and the children
Impaled on Christian blades
Rejoice they say for we are saved
And we must sing the fight
Sing it till your lungs burst or they'll set you alight!
Here comes the Church of Madness
Bearing gifts of death and torture
Here comes the Church of Madness
Of Jesus Christ their Lord
The fire and the fury
To be our judge to be our jury
Here comes the Church of Madness
Of Jesus Christ their Lord
The Inkubus Sukkubus song "Church of Madness" is a harsh critique on the Christian church, with lyrics that depict the violent history of the church through the ages. The first verse introduces the Christian knights, symbolic of the crusaders and other militant groups that carried out brutality in the name of Christianity. The second line speaks of their intentions to spread the "Holy Word" and ignite the world with it, but the following line reveals how their faith has made them into "idiots" who are blind to reason.
The second verse talks about the Inquisition, an organization created to combat heresy and blasphemy within the church. In the song, the Inquisition is portrayed as willing to use any means necessary to carry out their mission, even if it means burning people at the stake. The chorus repeats the phrase "Church of Madness" twice, highlighting how the actions of the church can be seen as insane and cruel.
The third verse is especially pointed in its criticism, with harsh words for Torquemada, a Spanish monk and Grand Inquisitor who was responsible for the torture and execution of thousands of people. The song accuses the church of crushing liberty and leaving nations in the shadow of its sword. Finally, the song ends on a dark note, warning the listener that they should be careful what they sing, because the Christian church might be listening.
Line by Line Meaning
Here come the Christian knights
The followers of Christ, dressed as knights, are coming
Dressed in red and white
They are wearing the colors of purity and sacrifice, symbolizing the blood of Christ
To bring the Holy Word and set the world alight
Their mission is to spread the message of Christ and convert everyone to their religion
Here comes a plague of idiots blinded by their faith
The Christians are considered as a plague of ignorant people who blindly follow a certain doctrine
Here comes the Inquisition to burn you at the stake
The Inquisition is coming to punish those who resist Christianity, by burning them alive
Here comes the Church of Madness
The Church represents a form of madness, going beyond reason and sanity
Bearing gifts of death and torture
The Church is bringing death and suffering to those who oppose it
Of Jesus Christ their Lord
The Church sees Jesus Christ as their leader and savior
The fire and the fury
The Church uses fire and fury to accomplish its goals
To be our judge to be our jury
The Church has the power to judge and punish those who don't follow its rules
A new dark age descending, it's Torquemada's dream
The Church signifies a new era of darkness, where power and oppression reign, just like the dream of Torquemada, a Spanish inquisitor
Liberty lies raped, crushed, broken
Freedom is destroyed and oppressed by the Church
Neath the Christian war machine
The Church is using war and violence to impose its beliefs
Nation after nation falling
Countries are being conquered and enslaved by Christianity, dominating cultures and people
In the shadow of the Christian sword
The sword of Christ is being used to force submission of opposing groups
With death they bring the lore of love
The Church claims to bring the message of love, yet its actions lead to death and destruction
What do they tell the people of their old crusades?
The Church boasts of its past, and what they accomplished in the past through violence
Of the women and the children
The innocent women and children, among others, suffered greatly from previous religious wars
Impaled on Christian blades
Many people died in gruesome ways due to the religious/Christian wars
Rejoice they say for we are saved
The Church claims that since they have succeeded in converting people to their religion, they have saved them
And we must sing the fight
The Church compels people to celebrate and praise their dominance and suppression of others
Sing it till your lungs burst or they'll set you alight!
The Church gives the impression that it would be better to burn than to resist their doctrine
Here comes the Church of Madness
Repetition of the previous chorus
Bearing gifts of death and torture
Repetition of the previous meaning
Of Jesus Christ their Lord
Repetition of the previous meaning
The fire and the fury
Repetition of the previous meaning
To be our judge to be our jury
Repetition of the previous meaning
Here comes the Church of Madness
Repetition of the previous chorus
Of Jesus Christ their Lord
Repetition of the previous meaning
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Khione
I was Born/Raised in a Catholic Family. I grew up going to Sunday School. Went through all the Classes, and Holy Communion, etc... But it wasn't for me!
Growing up, I felt like there was a hole in my Soul. I learned everything that I was taught in the Religion, but that hole still remained there! I then began doing Research, and Studying into various different Religions, until I came across Wicca. Like many other Catholics/Christians, I was Raised to believe that it was Evil/Bad. But I had already been Studying into many other Religions, so why not Wicca?
I began Studying more into Wicca, and began to learn the Truth of what the Religion is about. The more I studied, and the more I learned, the more that I felt that Hole in my Soul, begin to Fill up! I had found the piece of me that had been missing, and I finally felt whole for the 1st time!
When my Family learned what I had been Studying into, they grew scared. I was taken to have an Exorcism to be performed over me, because they believed I was "Possessed" by Evil Spirits, even though I was not doing anything wrong. It scared me at that time, because I was 13 when this happened. But as I grew older, my Soul found it's way back to Wicca, and again I felt whole again!
There is a Religion that fits each of our Souls, but just because we are Born into a Religion, doesn't mean that Religion is Right for your Soul!
Andrzej Wysocki
History likes to repeat itself.
By criticizing errors of the past, we prevent them from reappearing in present & in future.
there are those who try to recreate historical events, fighting for future .... criticism can empower or stop them.
https://paco-knife-tarot.blogspot.com/2016/11/inkubus-sukkubus-church-of-madness.html
Credits: Marcin Roszkowski . (he's my friend, he studied history, his wisdom & experience is DEEP ... i am not sure if he likes witches, or inquisition ). i love witches still.
Rogan Hachar A. Smith
Zeph
Of course name Seth is much older than JUDEO-Christian Satan.
But they are same entities.
Satan (in general) is just one of many faces and names for the one and the same entity, that presented it self and culturalized many tribes, kingdoms and religions, from which almost all the religions evolved.
Satanism you are talking about is simply reversed christianity, not Satanism I follow (The Traditional One).
Actually the one you call Goddess, is the one in Traditional Satanism called Lilith and The Horned God of Pagans is Satan/Lucifer/Samael.
You are a Wiccan, aren't you? :)
texasnewt
This "Church of Madness" music video is one inspired, very well integrated, work of art -- its tempo is lively, the lyrics catchy, and Candia Ridley's dramatic vocal performance captivating. It is apparent that talent runs very deep, indeed, in this band. Mucho kudos Inkubus Sukkubus! Thanks a heap for sharing and posting this here.
gomezy3k
I wish I could like this more than once. An awesome song...
texasnewt
Thanks so much for posting this Inkubus Sukkubus music video -- I have watched it countless times, and I am always impressed with the manner in which Candia Ridley can belt-out a tune! Wow, what an awesome talent.
shane hall
My grandma was a sunday school teacher,over the years I got a strong feeling that Christianity was not the right path for me,I tried various other paths,and I finally got my true calling,I am a grey witch.
Kim Tucker
I wish they would come to Cincinnati Ohio. I love their music and the messege they send. I am Wiccan and proud. I am a 10th generation Witch. Blessed Be my brothers and sisters.
jared hughes
Many blessings to this wonderful music, by one of my most favorite pagan/wican bands. Blessings
celticdruid3
Happy pagan new year to everyone, Hail, Janus... Christianity thought they did away with us, but as of the 20th century we are being revived, Blessed be Inkubus Sukkubus
tabaiba
Impresionante,banda de culto donde las haya
TendancyToFloatAway
I have a love-hate relationship with this band. I can't figure out why I like them. I don't think their lyrics are super clever, but I can't get enough of their music, which is weird because I don't usually listen to this sort of rock. All I know is that I keep coming back to this video, and it's on most of my playlists. While I can't quite bring myself to tell Inkubus Sukkubus to Rock On, I would like to thank them for the rocking they have done thus far.
Jackson Eflin
I love this song. I'd like to point out that the Christian Church today isn't like it was back then. This is an accurate representation of what happened during the Burning Times. Thanks for posting this. Good music with EXCELLENT lyrics.