Overview
Achillea is a musical project created by German producer and multi-instrumentalist Jens Gad, best known for his work as a co-producer of Enigma. Fusing ethereal ambient textures with world music and classical motifs, Achillea explores mythological, linguistic, and feminine themes through sound.
The project is noted for featuring female vocalists singing in multiple languages—Old Norse, Latin, Arabic, Spanish, Icelandic, and others—set against lush, cinematic instrumentation. Achillea serves as both a spiritual continuation of the Enigma tradition and a distinct artistic statement steeped in historical and metaphysical resonance.
Origins and Philosophy
Founded in the early 2000s, Achillea was born out of Gad’s desire to create a deeply immersive and storytelling form of music that transcended genres and cultures. The name Achillea is derived from the mythical Greek hero Achilles, suggesting a fusion of strength, beauty, and epic storytelling. The music is not merely atmospheric—it's meant to awaken, to remind, and to transport the listener to forgotten times and inner worlds.
Musical Style and Themes
- Fusion of ambient, classical, and world music
- Use of ancient and modern languages
- Female vocalists as spiritual guides
- Exploration of myth, feminine energy, and sacred memory
Discography
- The Nine Worlds (2005) — Inspired by Norse mythology and sung largely in Old Norse and Icelandic, this debut album features vocalist Helene Horlyck and explores the nine realms of Yggdrasil through ethereal, echoing tracks.
- Amadas Estrellas (2007) — Featuring Spanish vocalist Luisa Fernandez, this album shifts the sonic theme to the Iberian Peninsula, weaving Spanish guitar, Latin poetry, and ambient soundscapes into a romantic, sacred journey.
- Achillea: The Complete Collection (2008) — A compilation including new edits and remixes, bringing together both albums in one spiritual anthology.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Achillea has become a reference point in spiritual ambient and world-fusion music. Though not widely mainstream, it maintains a cult following among fans of sacred music, meditation practitioners, and those exploring myth through sound.