[2011] The Haxan Cloak - The Haxan Cloak

One of the most interesting Aurora Borealis artists of this year, The Haxan Cloak have released a few live CDr EPs  independently through the years, this s/t being their first LP under a label. The music is composed of classical arrangements, electronically processed via free improvisation and combined with haunting field recordings, creating a very distinctive aura avoiding further descriptions. Another one of these introspective albums that fully reveal themselves after constant listens at high volumes.




Buy it directly from Aurora Borealis here (scroll down).

[2001] Luigi Archetti & Bo Wiget - Low Tide Digitals

This guitar/cello duo from Italy and Switzerland respectively is one of the few non-norwegian artists releasing material via Rune Grammofon, focusing on a series of three albums (so far) ranging from ambient to jazz, with a very minimalist approach to their music. This is their first one released back in 2001, very minimal and low key, setting the roots for their next releases.




Buy it directly from Rune Grammofon here.

[2011] Gareth Davies & Machinefabriek - Grower

Gareth Davis teamed up with Machinefabriek (both originary from Netherlands) again after last year's release, Drape, to further expand on the subtle ambient created by Machinefabriek, contributing his eclectic clarinet sound. This album is one of the most interesting ambient albums I've heard, specially due to Davis' contributions, his clarinet has a wide range that goes in par with Machinefabriek's field recording manipulations.

Download it here: [320][V0]


Buy it directly from Sonic Pieces 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.

[2006] The Gault - Even As All Before Us

The finest work John Gossard was part of, The Gault is the perfect mixture of the subtle beauty and haunting vocals of Amber Asylum with the fierce riffing and despair-evoking melodies of Weakling, in a musical project that can't be likened with any other within its genre. For those unaware of this band which released only this album before splitting, this music will capture you with its unmatched way to channel complex emotions. Only either Amber Asylum, Jarboe or mid-career Swans would come close to the wave of feelings evoked from the 7 songs contained in this album. A big time favorite, and in my opinion an essential listen for every single one of you with a deep interest in music.

Download it here: [320][V0]

Buy it directly from Ván Records here.

[REQUEST] [2003] Eyvind Kang - Virginal Co Ordinates

One of the most prominent figures behind Secret Chiefs 3 (and side-projects), Eyvind Kang's music combines the best of eastern-influenced music with modern classical arrangements. In this album (like he will later in Athlantis as well) we also can hear Mike Patton's vocals spicing up the peaceful arrangements that characterize all of Kang's works. My second favorite of his releases, second only to The Story of Iceland.

Download it here: [320][V0]


Buy it directly from Ipecac Recordings/Amazon here.