A fine prog-rock nod to what is still a great movie. Crickadarn, in Builth Wells where the exteriors at the beginning of the film were shot, is about 90 minutes away from me by car...

I'm back...for more...of this fan-f'ing-tastic song!

Immediately I am intrigued by the title/hook! Then, I read the lyrics and...DAMN, Cheryl / @writeandwrong , these are sooooo frickin' EXCELLENT! Holy shades of Middle Earth, girl, you tell a complete fantasy tale in just few words! "The Slaughtered Lamb Inn" reminds me of a fictional pub where a couple of Americans received sound advice they did not heed! OMG, so many awesome lines here! "The inn becomes a dream's disguise"..."The Slaughtered Lamb lets darkness in"..."The Reaper claims his midnight prize"... and on and on! Dragons and Prophets and Strangers, Oh My! Just an INCREDIBLE set of lyrics! When (and if) I grow up I wanna try to write lyrics even half this good!

So, with a story this good in words, how in the world would you even hope to get this the music and production it deserves? Well, of course you'd wanna search at FAWM! And you'd wanna find try to find someone possessing high Beatle-esq talent as well as Merrie Olde England authenticity.

Hmmm, who else but @karlsburg25 ! As soon as the music begins with that magical chord progression I am transported over hill and dale to the entrance of The Slaughtered Lamb Inn! Karl's vocals are perfect on those first two sections but when he hits the chorus with that AMAZINGLY sung first line "At the Slaughtered Lamb, the candles weep" I am no longer just listening...I am there! That line is the musical hook for me! Then, at the end of the next verse section I am hearing a chorus of Karls that mesmerizes me. One more chorus to lift me back to the sky followed by a brief outro that puts this to bed and returns to that opening set of chords. Pure Brilliance!

This is such an awesome collaboration. You both should be very proud of what you have created here! It really is magical that such a song could come together in a brief moment in February. Hats off to you both!!!

Ok, I never comment twice on one song but I'm about to make an exception for this masterpiece! I just finished my first listen so I must immediately blurt out how absolutely brilliant this is! Cheryl's lyrics and story are fabulous and Karl's music and performance is stellar. Now, I'm off to listen to this on big speakers and I'll be back in a bit to tell you a bit more specifically what I LOVE about this collaboration between two of my FAVE FAWMers!!!

Loving that sparkly acoustic guitar work! Is the Slaughtered Lamb Inn an American Werewolf in London reference?! I thought so at first but then reading the lyrics through I'm not so sure it is. Anyway, really nice work here - another great listen.

The title alone was enough to make me start with this one! As ever, I don't know how you create so many of these fully realized productions every year in so little time, but I'm glad you do, and we get to experience them. I love the mix of the period imagery / setting and the modern pop harmonies / sensibilities!

Ok so I can't keep saying the same good things about your stuff but it is ALL good...in particular I love your vocal/flute/layering on this juxtaposed with the twangy guitar. Lyrics are magical to match, you two need to do more!

Really stellar lyrics Cheryl!! I'm blown away by the imagery. So many great metaphors. Karl's interpretation of them is spot on!!! The music he composed and vocals are a perfect vehicle for your words. What a fab collab!!! I enjoyed this immensely!!

Yes, these lyrics are superb. Karl your music and vocals create an amazing experience. It's lovely.

This is so lush. It takes me away. The music is perfectly matched to the lyrics. I love the instrumentation, vocals, rhythmic juxtaposition... just wow!

@karlsburg25 Thank you so much for bringing this lyric to life in such a remarkable way! Your musicianship and performance are absolutely stunning. The emotion and energy you infused into every note truly elevated the piece, and it’s clear that you put so much heart and talent into it. I’m beyond grateful for your interpretation and collaboration, and it has made this song come alive in a way I never imagined. Truly amazing work!

Very cool collab with a rich sound -- I'm loving all the different layers. It sounds like a fantasy ballad even before the lyrics kick in. Effectively done with a really satisfying melody.

I cannot begin to convey how much this song moved me. I almost found myself tearing up at my desk. This story is engaging. The music has so much to take in. I’m going to have to visit this a few times. Cheryl is a great lyricist and storyteller. This couldn’t get any better. Excellent find today.

WOW! I'm glad I decided to peruse your whole page because I decided not to get lost in commenting until I had 4 songs under my belt. There goes THAT intention. However, I don't know if you've collaborated with Cheryl @writeandwrong before and knew we were roomies for a couple of years! You two have made me proud. Great collaboration! The lyrics are so vivid and perfect! The music accompanies as if the words and music were born together. I agree, meant to be. Epic, mythic, larger than life...and death.

i like the quasi religious, total mythic drive of this prog epic. the melodies are so lovely and the vocals make them more so. the sad beauty takes us on the kind of side trip hercules made with the argonauts on their voyage to the end of the world.

Wonderful tune! The lyrics are strong and your arrangement is truly inspired. Brilliant, unexpected shift to Major on the chorus endings. And I do love me some Mellotron and of course the Karl signature vocal harmonies!

Lush guitars, sweet arrangement, fab harmonies and all so uplifting for the Reaper :)