"The Serpent's Egg" is the fourth studio album by an Australian-British musical project called Dead Can Dance. Released on the 24th of October, 1988, within the 4AD label, the album marked a continuity in the project's exploration of world music influences.
The album derives its name from the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus's aphorism stating, "the nature of the Cosmic system is in the harmony of opposing tension, like that of the lyre and the bow; hence the birth of the Cosmos derives from the 'serpent's egg'".
The music in "The Serpent's Egg" significantly brings about a transformation from the band's previous albums. This development marked the band's shift from the traditional post-punk rock towards ethereal wave, neoclassical, and Middle Eastern influences. It stands out with its distinct combination of contemporary instruments, diverse ethnic music, and soprano singing, presenting a complex tapestry of sound, which broadened the band's ambience and musical sophistication.
Noteworthy songs in the album include "The Host of Seraphim", "Ullyses", "Orbis de Ignis", and "Severance". Particularly, "The Host of Seraphim" secured a prominent place in popular culture, featuring in several film soundtracks like "Baraka", "The Mist", and "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole".
The album, a blend of experimentalism and neoclassical elements, further entrenched Dead Can Dance's reputation for pushing musical boundaries, making it a critical contribution to the band's distinguished discography.
