Kalistani Major History

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Kalistani News in Brief: Emperor Creates new Titles as Crown Lands
Protests re-ignite in Gendaris; Amethyst Lemon releases followup LP
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 8, 5554


Amethyst Lemon's Widely Acclaimed Sophomore LP Somnambulism is released on KMI

Emperor Creates new Titles
In an indication of growing imperialist ambition in the light of he collapse of the Lourennais Monarchy, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick II Ananto, has ordered the creation of four new titles and the grouping of these four titles with existing titles which are claimed but not currently held into a new political designation known as "Crown Lands". These lands are historical possessions and claims that the Empire seeks to lay a marker down on, putting those states that hold the lands currently on notice that Kalistan will someday seek to restore its historical borders. The new Titles are King of Kerzon (southern Dolgava), King of Sekowo (northern Seko), Duke of Athosia (Eastern Baltusia) and Duke of Outannais (far western Lourenne). Of the four, only the Duchy of Athosia was ever a fully integral part of the ancient Anantonese Empire--It is the southern half of what was once Suldanor which connected Kalistan to Vintalli. The Kingdom of Kerzon and the Kingdom of Sekowo were colonial possessions of Kalistan, and the Duchy of Outannais was only controlled for a very short period of time before the land was usurped by Selucia during its imperial landgrab during the 19th Century. The National Assembly is currently voting on a bill that will add these titles to the Imperial Stile. They join the Kingdom of Andalay and the Kingdom of Vintalli in a new political designation known as "the Crown Lands", and it will be required to note the crownlands on all official maps henceforth. There is no hint that the Empire will pursue political control over these territories in the near future.

New Protests spark in Gendaris
A new wave of pro-Democratic protests have sparked in Gendaris. The protests are mostly peaceful, and the Duke of Odufaray has ordered the police to practice restraint when dealing with the mobs, but groups of protestors have camped out in the main Plaza downtown for several days, and are holding teach-ins, delivering speeches, and discussing constitutionalism amongst themselves. "I've asked the Town government of Gendaris to ensure that the protests remain peaceful," said Her Grace The Duchess of Odufaray Martha Allistair. "Having met with a few of the protest leaders, we have agreed on some essential ground rules. I explained that people should have the freedom to express what they think about public affairs but my job is to maintain good order and authority in this Duchy, and I told them that we could either work together to ensure that both of our interests were met, or we could be opponents, and I would win. So far, it appears that the protestors have heard me, and are doing their part to keep the peace and police their own camps." The Duchess was optimistic that even if the protests spread, there feels like a new tone to the protests. "These demonstrators have their grievances, for certain. But I feel like we have an understanding, and that understanding can lead to positive conversations between the Government and the demonstrators. And if more people become more engaged in more cities across Odufaray, I think positive, if moderate reform can come of it." When asked about the proliferation of firearms in the rather large encampment in downtown Gendaris, the Duchess appeared unconcerned. "Firearm ownership is a part of Kalistani culture," Duchess Allistair said. "I would frankly be more surprised if there were no firearms present whatsoever."

Amethyst Lemon releases Somnambulism on KMI
The long awaited and highly praised follow up to the 5551 LP Bloom, by Kaliburg Noise Alternative musicians Amethyst Lemon has been released on KMI. Somnambulism is "just as loud" as Bloom, said Jan Helman, who writes for Kalistani Rawk Monthly. "But on this record, we see the band incorporating some dream pop elements into their music. It is even more disciplined than the music on Bloom, more professional sounding. It is certainly more psychedelic inspired, and though it can get really REALLY loud at times, like in the barnburner finale 'Gold Flicker', you also have really quiet tunes like 'Sucre' that rely less on distortion and more on chorus. Then there's the far more pop adjacent noise fest 'Can't Wait for Tomorrow'. This record really is a massive album, and will probably be on the top of the charts within a week." Along with the release of the LP, the first Single from the record, "When I Can", debuted at number 1 on the Radio 1 Singles Chart, and was subsequently voted in as Kalistan's entry for the upcoming FOMAT contest in Hobrazia. "'When I Can' is one of those songs that is so insanely loud, and yet so very pretty," said Helman. "The chord progression is very romantic, and the really lilty vocals is laid expertly over a wall of absolutely distorted noise. The harmonics in the chorus are literally the hook of the song. It is brilliant. Just a full masterpiece, and represents the height of the genre to date."

You can stream Somnambulism in full here, or Check out the Single for "When I Can" below. Amethyst Lemon is reportedly amazed that people would pick their song to represent the entire Empire before the international audience at FOMAT, but are nonetheless honored and have agreed to attend.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbu_K41efvY]