The members of Chalice & Blade worked together in a previous band, Parnassus.

Our first CD, entitled First Degree, is available for purchase for only Cdn $10 plus shipping.

First Degree was produced by Paul Gitlitz.

Reviews of First Degree

"For every Pagan worship group I have met, someone has to decide on what music will be played or sung or chanted. This note is directed to everyone who thinks they might be asked to make such a decision.

Buy a copy of the CD called 'first degree', issued by the group called Parnassus, in New Westminster, BC. This is a great sing-along recording of some really good Pagan songs and some old favorite chants. There are no lyrics for the songs printed in the cover folder, and with good reason. They aren't necessary. The crystal clarity of the singing will let you know every word.

Every singer stays on pitch and on beat at all times, and the minimal instrumental and drum playing do not drown them out. The album is somewhat thin in the area of instrumentation and harmony, so I don't think I will be playing it for background music. But it belongs in every Pagan's musical library because it is totally usable for anyone planning the music for a Pagan ritual.

I recommend that you buy it, hear it, remember it, use it when the time is right."

~ Review by Richard James, owner of The Occult Shoppe, Toronto

The Pagan Review - www.paganreview.com

First Degree CD by Parnassus.
Produced by Paul Gitlitz. Canada, 2003.
Glitchless Productions. www.glitchless.net

Parnassus is a Wiccan group from Vancouver. This CD is a mix of their own material along with some traditional songs. This one I definitely liked. Check out their website and pick up a copy today. (I just wish the lyrics had been included!)

Now for a break down of the music:

• A-tesh-na-anna: As the song goes on, more voices and music are added building the feeling, energy and momentum – awesome!
• God and Goddess in Blue #7: Ok, I don’t quite get the name but the song is perfect for a spiral dance. This is another one that really builds the energy and momentum as it goes on.
• King’s Dance: A song about the battles or “dances” between the Holly and Oak Kings at the solstices. Has a funky, jazzy feel.
• Destiny: Beautiful song about leaving this world for the next.
• Constellations: This song talks about using the stars as a guide as we are reminded we are not alone on this earth or in this universe.
• Elementas’ Part One: A call of the elements, would be an interesting way to set up a circle, and is done in a round.
• Let My Eye Go to the Sun: Here we hear a celebration of the miracle of dawn.
• Beauty of the Earth: Lovely short chant sang in a round, another spiral dance song, although more slow and drifting.
• Air Moves Us: Another song about the elements, could also be used when calling in the elements.
• Circle is Open/Spirit of the Earth: Done quite well and excellent for opening the circle.
• Oh Shit, it’s the Faeries: This would be my least favorite song on the CD, I’ve heard much better faery songs.
• Other songs on this CD include: Initiation, Rough Water and Late at Night.