Wild Tantra

2. Tantric Philosophy | Kamakhya Tradition

I’ve been getting into Nordic music lately, artists like Wardruna, Eivør and Danheim. It’s generally very atmospheric, almost trance-like. The melodies, drums and instruments all sound primal.

There’s one song in particular that sticks out in my mind though. It’s called Draugadrottin and sung by Oli and the Jupiter. One reason it is so striking is because of one section where the singer sounds completely out of tune with the music, as if they are singing in a different key. You might even think it was a mistake - until it is repeated.

It is completely jarring because it seems to break all the rules of melody and harmony. It makes you wince. But it is also totally addictive. When I listen to my Nordic playlist, I just can’t wait to hear those nails-on-blackboard sounds. There is something quite energising about something that deliberately breaks the rules.

Last week I compared Christian theology to the Tantric philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism, finding similarities and differences. This wee…