[Cover photo credit to Céline Gladiné]

Belgian Psychedelic Sludge Metal trio Pothamus have shared new single “Zhikarta” taken from their second full-length album, Abur, set for release on February 14th, 2025 via Berlin’s Pelagic Records. The album is a “pilgrimage through nature, animism and the depths of the human soul.”

The “spiritual successor” to their 2020 debut Raya, Abur finds the band widening their musical palette. Based in Mechelen, Belgium, Mattias M. Van Hulle, Michael Lombarts and Sam Coussens formed Pothamus in 2013 and have been going ever since.

Abur sees Pothamus’ sound expanded by the sounds of the Surpeti, a drone instrument originating from the Indian subcontinent traditionally used for mantra singing. Musical contemporary and close friend Chiaran Verheyden (Psychonaut, Hippotraktor) recorded, mixed and mastered the album.

Lead track, “Zhikarta” is described as “harrowing harmony of the brutal and the beautiful.” 

Pothamus says about “Zhikarta” and its video:

“Zhikarta is a profound exploration of seeking wisdom and uncovering deeper truths beyond the constraints of societal norms and agreements. Lyrically, it delves into the human longing for insight, urging listeners to peer beyond the veil of conventions. Musically, the track heralds a new chapter for us, weaving together a rich tapestry of sound that evolves across its structure. 

The video is equally captivating. Renowned Belgian dancer and performer Jaouad Alloul takes centre stage, bringing his evocative artistry. Alloul not only stars in the video but also crafted a choreography that beautifully aligns with the song’s conceptual essence, translating its themes of seeking wisdom and breaking through conventions into compelling physical movement.”