Albion bring their authentic blend of Celtic storytelling, mythology and traditional folk, combined with a touch of modern rock and Metal, to their sophomore album, It Was In The Month of May, following their 2024 debut, Lakesongs of Elbid.
Albion – It Was In The Month Of May
Release Date: 27 May 2026
Words: Naomi Hefter
“The clouds, heavy with their spent fury, broke and drifted eastward. The sun, suddenly golden and bright, burst through, and the air was filled with the song of a thousand streams of running water, washing the world clean.” J.R.R Tolkien wrote this alchemist of words.
Tolkien, the pioneer of modern fantasy, was the creator of escapism and immersive world-building. This writer and philosopher inspired so many in film, fantasy and fiction, and also galvanised artists in poetry and music.
One person, in particular, is the iconic Ian Anderson, AKA Jethro Tull. As in any genre of music, artists pass the torch of inspiration. Jethro Tull left its mark on many over the years, and in the summer of 2019, a band called Albion was formed by Ian Anderson’s guitarist, Joe Parrish-James.
Joe is a classically trained musician, arranger and composer who, together with Jack Clark on guitars, Peter Szypulski on bass, Ollie Medlow on drums, and lead vocals from Rhiannon Parrish, combines the true spirit of age-old folk music with progressive rock and Metal.
With eight tracks, each approximately 4–8 minutes long, there was a hesitation that each song would feel dragged out. However, It Was In The Month Of May does not feel this way at all. This album takes you on a medieval journey.
The opening song, Miss Mai, which translates to The Month Of May, in Welsh, offers a softness and an intrigue, giving the feeling of a preview or suggestion of what is to come.
The album contains rich context, aggressive, breathy flute and a symphony of rock and movie-like orchestra. The mix of instrumental arrangements creates a timeless, earthy atmosphere, sending any listener down a magical path of breathtaking beauty.
There is a real sense of value and expression from its members, who are evidently associated with folk-rock. The album feels like a chronicle of tales, incorporating Celtic and British folk influences into the music.
There is a clear beauty woven into its story, as each track features strong, progressive folk elements that draw inspiration from Celtic traditions.
Calan Mai, the last track on the album, arguably saves the best till last. This strong piece translates to the Welsh version of the May Day celebrations. This ten-minute piece offers a stronger, fiercer and raucous tempo than other tracks.
This key track truly throws you into a crescendo in music and storytelling. This dynamic piece is full of musical expression. There is no hesitation where the music is distinctly directing the instruments to grow louder over a specific period, rather than changing volume instantly.
Each piece feels like its own tale from an unknown time. The writing is rhythmic and inventive, highly attuned to the sounds, roots, and structures of words.
Poetry, songs, and alliterative verse are intertwined throughout the album’s narrative. Linguistic, eloquent, grandiloquent phrases and melodies evoke feelings, conjuring vivid images of landscapes, genealogies, and cultural histories.
Each with its own rhythm, tone, and scene, the album aims to create an immersive, rich fantasy within our ever-existing mortal plane, rather than simply telling a story through lyrics.
Albion release It Was In The Month Of May on 27 May 2026. For more details, including tour dates, visit linktr.ee/albionofficial.
