Irish harpist and vocal enchantress Joy Shannon has delivered a breathtaking dream-walk that pairs her ethereal melodies with the legendary poetry of J.R.R. Tolkien. Created as a beacon of hope during Shannon’s own courageous battle with breast cancer, In the Forest Singing Sorrowless is a stunning testament to the healing power of art and purpose. Featuring an incredible lineup of guest contributors—including Tolkien’s great-granddaughter Ruth Tolkien and the mesmerizing Maria Franz of Heilung—the album weaves a dark folk tapestry that feels as ancient as the Irish burial mounds Shannon explored in her previous works like Aes Sídhe. It is a profound, intimate excavation of grief and love that resonates with a “heartbeat of the earth” rarely captured in modern music.
The musical chemistry on this release is nothing short of supernatural, with the brooding cello of Kakophonix adding a rich, cinematic depth to Shannon’s intricate harp arrangements. From the heartbreaking resonance of “Beren and Lúthien” to the haunting, atmospheric reimagining of “Misty Mountains,” Shannon manages to find the pulse of Middle-earth through a uniquely Celtic lens. This isn’t just a tribute; it is a lush, sorrowless haven that provides a much-needed escape from the modern world. For fans of gothic folk and mythic storytelling, this album is an absolute triumph of the spirit, proving once again that Shannon is one of the most vital voices in the dark folk scene today.
