Ostara is an Australian-British rock and neofolk band formed in 1991 under the name Strength Through Joy. They initially gained attention with a single, "Dark Rose" (1994), and subsequent albums The Force of Truth and Lies (1995) and Salute to Light (1996), produced by Douglas Pearce of Death in June. In 1999, following a relocation to England, Germany, and Ireland, they changed their name to Ostara due to associations with the original name. Their debut album under the new moniker, Secret Homeland (2000), explored esoteric themes and historical events such as Operation Valkyrie. Over the years, their discography expanded with notable releases including Kingdom Gone (2002), Immaculate Destruction (2005), The Only Solace (2009), which saw a return to their neofolk roots, Eclipse of the West (2020), and Age of Empire (2023). Their music evolved from straightforward neofolk to rock, with collaborations including performances with Lux Interna and Luftwaffe.
