Not too long ago, The Moondig embarked on an expedition to the old coal mine of Beringen (B). Scaling the ‘ terril ’, we ascended to heights where the fossilized whispers from the past lingered in the breeze. Here on the mine slag heap, atop the remains of ancient forests, the spirits of Selenium, Bromine and Krypton revealed themselves as three more building blocks of the universe.

In the quietude of an abandoned school building nearby, we recorded a lot of music, channeling the essence of these three elements into melodies that came to us through the corridors of time.

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On the second of the three albums recorded during this expedition, The Moondig sets sail upon the cosmic ocean in search of Bromine's secrets nestled within the lunar soil. In the eternal symphony of the cosmos, where celestial bodies dance to the rhythm of the universe, there lies a silent melody woven by this enigmatic element.

With its atomic number 35, Bromine is a unique entity, neither metal nor gas, yet bearing the liquid form at room temperature. Its presence, though subtle, paints a vibrant hue upon the canvas of existence, offering both blessings and challenges to those who dare to explore its depths.

As we embark upon this odyssey, a symphony of possibilities orchestrates in our minds and trough our bodies, as Bromine is essential for tissue development in all creatures from the primordial depths of ancient seas to the apex of human evolution.
So Bromine is one of the elements that are essential for Life itself!

Bromine's allure lies not only in its fundamental role in biology but also in its manifold applications in art, industry and agriculture. From ethereal hues to the fiery blaze of flame retardants, Bromine lends its essence to dyes, pesticides, and even the protective sheaths of spacecraft.

Bromine, this liquid halogen, bears a distinctive reddish-brown color, reminiscent of autumn leaves ablaze in the fading light of dusk. This characteristic hue is born from the dance of electrons within its atomic structure. So let us gaze upon the reddish-brown hues of Bromine with reverence and respect, for within its depths lies a story as old as time itself – a story of creation and destruction, of life and death, woven into the very fabric of the universe.

As an essential component of the pigment known as Tyrian Purple, Bromine imbues textiles with a regal splendor, a reminder of its historical significance as a symbol of wealth and prestige. The Tyrian Purple, crafted from the secretions of marine mollusks, bears the mark of Bromine's signature, infusing fabrics with a deep, lustrous purple hue that captivates the eye and stirs the soul.

Yet, amidst the vibrancy of its color, lies a deeper symbolism, the potential for destruction. It speaks of transformation, of the alchemy of existence, where beauty and danger intertwine in a delicate dance of light and shadow.

So as we delve deeper into the mysteries of Bromine, we encounter the shadows lurking beneath its shimmering surface. Like a siren's call, its toxicity whispers warnings of danger, a reminder of the fragility of life amidst the grandeur of the cosmos. From the ozone-depleted skies above Antarctica, to the poisoned waters and polluted earth, Bromine's touch leaves scars upon the Earth, a testament to the consequences of our hubris.

But amidst the chaos and discord, there lies a beacon of hope: the promise of redemption; through understanding, innovation and enlightenment, we embark upon this cosmic voyage of transformation, weaving a new narrative of coexistence with the elements that shape our world, not only as a key to our understanding of the universe but also as a hope for a brighter future for all who call this pale blue dot home.


Tom B.