Belgian cosmic sludge juggernauts Pothamus announce new album »Abur«; first single and music video »Savartuum Avur« streaming now!
Mechelen, Belgium based tribalesque sludge/post-rock trio Pothamus premiere a music video for the first single »Savartuum Avur« taken from their upcoming sophomore album, entitled »Abur«, due out on February 14th, 2025 via Pelagic Records.
Tracklist:
01. Zhikarta
02. Ravus
03. De-varium
04. Svartuum Avur
05. Ykavus
06. Abur
Courtesy of Pelagic Records:
Belgian psychedelic sludge-metal trio Pothamus have announced their second full-length album, »Abur«, set for release on February 14th, 2025 via Berlin’s Pelagic Records.
The heavily anticipated spiritual successor to their 2020 debut »Raya«, »Abur« finds the band honing an already formidable sound and widening their distinct musical palette in order to create truly original and staggeringly heavy music that steers them ever further away from well-trodden post-metal paths. Based in Mechelen, Belgium, Mattias M. Van Hulle, Michael Lombarts and Sam Coussens formed Pothamus in 2013 and have been enthralling audiences with their breathtaking command of hypnotic riffage, floating drones, tribal percussion, and abrasive bass lines for over a decade.
»Abur« sees Pothamus’ signature ritualistic sound elevated by the haunting sounds of the Surpeti, a drone instrument originating from the Indian subcontinent traditionally used for mantra singing, whilst drummer Van Hulle adds his voice in harmony with guitarist Coussens’ to create an astounding richness and depth. Capturing Pothamus at this creative zenith was musical contemporary and close friend Chiaran Verheyden (Psychonaut, Hippotraktor) who recorded, mixed and mastered the album.
Photos by Céline Gladiné
Lead single and the first piece written for the album, »Savartuum Avur« is an uncompromising invitation to cast away the preconceived beliefs and social constructs that lure us away from a sense of spiritual unity. Building as one like a gathering storm, »Savartuum Avur« is Pothamus embracing chaos as the generative force behind creation; unleashing their unmistakable cosmic sludge metal in an exhilarating statement of intent. The stark, monochrome performance video that accompanies »Savartuum Avur« not only mirrors the in-the-moment, chaotic energy of the track but also serves as a reminder of the transcendental experience that is Pothamus performing live.
A 44-minute pilgrimage through nature, animism and the depths of the human soul, »Abur« is Pothamus’ answer to the big, existential questions that keep us all awake at night. Titanic, all-consuming heaviness is met with ethereal, airy beauty as the band contemplates the interconnectedness of all things, creating a singular sonic universe balanced perfectly between cosmic creation and absolute destruction.
»Abur« is released on February 14th, 2025.
»Savartuum Avur« is out now.
Pothamus on »Savartuum Avur«: “This track is layered with a brooding atmosphere that evokes a sense of elemental energy, possibly tied to the forces of nature. As the first piece written for the new record, it serves as a transitional bridge between past and present, making it a fitting choice for the album’s first single, capturing both familiar and ever evolving sonic landscapes. With lyrical references to »Raya« it creates a thematic link to the band’s previous work, grounding the song in continuity while marking the start of a new creative chapter.”
Pre-order / download / stream here: orcd.co/pothamus
Pothamus is:
Mattias M. Van Hulle – Drums
Michael Lombarts – Bass
Sam Coussens – Guitar & Vocals
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well