[2007] Arve Henriksen - Strjon

This is the third release of the prominent norwegian musician Arve Henriksen (Food, Christian Wallumrød Ensemble), which drifts away a bit from the electronic influence of the debut and following album (Sakuteiki and Chiaroscuro respectively), and focus on the sultry trumpet sound he's known for. Very moody and spacious, it does what's expected from his regular works.

Download it here: [V0]

Buy it directly from Rune Grammofon here.

[2011] Faust - Something Dirty

One of my most expected releases for this year comes from the masterminds of the second official half of Faust, and their album Something Dirty. Radically different from last year's release (Faust Is Last), Péron's half leans more towards the psychedelic side of the original band (reminiscent of their s/t and Faust IV), making most of the songs included in this album more accessible (in the way Faust could allow itself) and less on the experimental side (yet unmistakenly focused on it, as usual), which was Joachim Irmler's half and their Faust Is Last's release. 13 tracks that remind ourselves of the krautrock gold era without any sort of revivalist complex that some bands are experiencing (talking about Amon Düül II), and definitely one of the most solid releases of this year, so far.

Download it here: [V0]

Buy it directly from Bureau B here.

[2009] Spunk - Kantarell

Latest Spunk album, is their most daring release so far, tuning down the vocal experimentation a notch and focusing on the brass instruments, straining the sounds at a vertiginous pace, and leaving a sense of tension through ever song. Sounds somewhat darker than their previous efforts, although the vocals retain a certain innocence that has become their own trademark sound.

Download it here: [320][V0]


Buy it directly from Rune Grammofon here.

[2010] Sailors With Wax Wings - Sailors With Wax Wings

What in my opinion was the best collaboration project back in 2010, Sailors With Wax Wings debut is one of the most interesting works I've listened so far in their style. Conformed by Ted Parsons (Swans, Jesu), Hildur Guðnadóttir, James Blackshaw (Brethen of The Free Spirit), Colin Marston (bassist of Gorguts, Dysrhythmia and Behold... The Arctopus), Aidan Baker (Nadja), Simon Scott (Slowdive), Prurient and the folks from Pyramids, this album shouldn't be considered as a mix of all the aforementioned bands, but a completely new sound that ranges from shoegaze, modern classical, drone music, neofolk at some parts, and post-rock ethos. Heavily layered and complex, there's not a single moment in this album that doesn't grab your attention with its melodic trance. Bearing a vague resemblance to the collab Pyramids + Nadja, this album explores that same dense atmosphere and gives it a larger range, allowing the listener to discover new parts of the whole at every new listen.

Download it here: [V0]


Buy it directly from Angel Oven Records here.

[2008] Runhild Gammelsæter - Amplicon

Runhild's (Thorr's Hammer, Khlyst, Sunn O)))) first solo album, following the theme of death and rebirth described in biology terms, and chaotic vocals breaking the opressing silence imposed on every song. Tore Ylvisaker (Ulver) remixed this album, comprised of captivating and menacing vocalizations in equal proportions.

Download it here: [V0]


Buy it directly from Utech Records here.

[2010] Human Intruder / Thou - A Faire Quarrel

Split between Thou and Human Intruder, a german sludge band who's planning a full length debut called Approved Methods for Annihilation, likely to be released sometime this year. Short split release, typical Thou delivery (quality band) and a Human Intruder song (also their first official release) that may as well serve as an intro, but so far it gives a really good idea on how it's going to turn out in the future.

Download it here: [320][V0]

Unavailable through Dead Earth Records. Buy it from Gilead Media here.