Oranssi Pazuzu

Oranssi Pazuzu merge the hypnotic rhythms of krautrock with the chaotic intensity of black metal. Their boundary-sneering explorations owe much to the band's emphasis on sound as a multidimensional entity/experience as they weave complex textures and alien timbres into hypnotic latticeworks. 

Their latest album Muuntautuja is a deeply immersive and alien sonic experience: primal noise juxtaposed with intricate, almost sculptural sound design alive with contradictions— simultaneously mechanical and organical, dreamy and nightmarish—crafted to baffle and bungle perceptions of what metal can achieve. At its fluctuating core, Muuntautuja embodies themes of transformation and existential contemplation, peering through a lens darkly at mortality, our utter cosmic insignificance, and the amoebic fluidity of identity. These thematic depths are mirrored in their voidic compositions, which oscillate between immersive minimalism and explosively chaotic peaks.

Skulking between heaviness and atmosphere, Insect Ark crafts deeply immersive soundscapes using bass, lap steel guitar, and haunting vocals—now featured prominently for the first time since their debut. Founded by multi-instrumentalist and composer Dana Schechter (Swans, Angels of Light), the band has recently recruited legendary drummer Tim Wyskida, known for his work in Khanate and Blind Idiot God. Their fourth album Raw Blood Singing is a writhingly beautiful evolution: swirling lashes of doomgaze, experimental textures, and an absolutely meticulous approach to dynamics and emotion.