It’s the holiday season, but in the grimdark future of Warhammer 40,000, the joys of Christmas are nowhere to be found. Instead, the Imperium of Man is driven by an unyielding faith in the God-Emperor, and this festive period, Warhammer Community has gifted us with something special to mark the season—a brand-new, first-of-its-kind Imperial hymn performed in High Gothic! It’s a unique offering, showcasing both the haunting grandeur of the Adepta Sororitas and the sacred dogma of the Imperium.
The Power of Warhammer Art and Faith
This incredible hymn is inspired by the iconic art that has defined the Adepta Sororitas—a faith-driven sisterhood of warriors. Some of the most striking pieces in Warhammer art depict lone Sisters of Battle in prayer, their devotion unwavering even amidst the brutal chaos of the galaxy. These images speak of a dedication to the Emperor and the strength of belief in a universe that is far from merciful.
The Warhammer team has captured this mood by crafting an Imperial hymn that reflects the sombre, faithful nature of the Adepta Sororitas, pulling you deep into the heart of their worship. The hymn is a celebration of the Imperial Creed and brings this story of devotion and struggle to life.
High Gothic: A First for Warhammer
What’s even more incredible is that the hymn is performed entirely in High Gothic, the formal language of the Imperium. For those of us who’ve seen it written on purity seals or the side of a tank, hearing it spoken (or rather, sung) aloud is a rare and unforgettable treat.
While High Gothic has appeared before in the Warhammer 40k universe, this is the first time we’ve been able to hear a full piece of music and lyrics in this ancient and mysterious language. The Warhammer Studio has put a lot of effort into codifying this language, and it’s rumored that there’s much more High Gothic yet to be revealed. Maybe one day we’ll even get to hear the hymn in our own modern languages!
The Making of the Hymn: A Grand and Sacred Undertaking
The creation of the hymn involved a lot of talented people, and the dedication put into this project is truly fitting for the Emperor himself. The lyrics were crafted carefully to fit the Imperial Creed, and the music to accompany it was composed by Jonathan Hartman, the talented veteran composer behind much of Warhammer’s soundtrack, including for Warhammer+ shows. Jonathan, a huge Warhammer fan himself, worked to create a score that would evoke the grandeur and solemnity of the hymn.
The recording took place in Sofia, Bulgaria, where a hand-picked choir directed by George Elekov performed the hymn in full, bringing that haunting Imperial sound to life. It’s exactly the kind of music you’d expect to hear echoing through the cathedrals of the Adeptus Ministorum, whether during mandatory worship on Emperor’s Day or the solemnity of Sanguinala.
An Artistic Vision: The Animation
But the gift doesn’t end there—Warhammer’s animation team has taken the hymn and transformed it into an animated video that brings the powerful imagery to life. Rather than relying on more realistic animation styles, they’ve chosen to lean into the traditional art that inspired the hymn in the first place. The style is reminiscent of oil paintings, with every frame imbued with the piety, defiance, and martyrdom that define the Imperial faith. It’s a visual spectacle that’s bound to pull you deep into the atmosphere of the Adeptus Ministorum and the Emperor’s light.
A Gracious Holiday Message
Warhammer’s final holiday gift to us this year isn’t just about the music and art—it’s a reminder of the solemn faith that drives the warriors of the Imperium, and the relentless fight they face in an uncaring universe. So, as the hymn echoes through your mind, remember to enjoy the season in your own way. We may not have hope or joy in the Warhammer 40k universe, but we do have a shared love of its lore and universe, and that’s something worth celebrating.
So, here’s wishing you a happy and safe holiday!
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