What’s the story behind FABULA MENDAX ?
“Fabula Mendax” is based on manuscripts written in the 15th Century by Armande de Pange, a companion of Jehanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc). Follow Armande as she flees her unhinged family, only to be caught up in the chaos of The Hundred Years’ War. She encounters and trails the enigmatic Joan, later becoming a part of her expanding group of followers. As they travel west into the war zone of Northern France, they meet a motley medley of scheming noblewomen, bellicose knights, nefarious bishops, and assorted rotters, rogues and renegades.” Note that these manuscripts do exist; I have seen them in Metz. But, “Armande de Pange” was clearly (for various reasons) a pseudonym, and the real name of the writer is not known. She was, however, obviously very well educated, and must have come from some noble family in the area of Metz. It was not unusual for there to be female warriors in The Hundred Years’ War, and many did not hide it. People complain that this story is “not on the internet”- why should it be?
In studio, what was the atmosphere for your new album ?...etc.…
Concentrated, professional, and creative, as always.
How does it work for the great design of the CD ? and why this title ?
Mike Urban, the drummer, took the photo in a graveyard in Bristol. It was a superb image, with the weathering givign the appearance of tears. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was an album cover, and this convinced me to pursue the Armande story, which I had known about for years. If you are from Lorraine, and own the CD, and open it out, you may notice something.
How was the shooting of the clip SUMMER OF THE DEMON ? and why this choice ?
The choice of a “single” from any TMS album is always difficult! But, we chose that song by proportional representation, haha. The director, Ruth Tidmarsh, was suggested to me by our co-manager, Jane Barnes. Ruth was fantastic- highly skilled and very creative; a joy to work with. I’d always wanted to try operating a string puppet, so we went with that idea. The song chosen was ideal, as it was not only typically wordy, but also had a story flow to it.
