Cardboard Boulevard by gaop

Immerse yourself in the enigmatic world of gaop's newest avant-jazz album "Cardboard Boulevard", an experimental sonic odyssey that challenges the boundaries of conventional contemporary jazz music. This extraordinary release invites you on a journey through mesmerizing soundscapes characterized by rich, dark tones and haunting ambient atmospheres. Here, improvisation intertwines with the unexpected, offering an exhilarating auditory experience that captivates the senses.

Drawing inspiration from the deep-rooted traditions of avant-garde jazz, this album intricately blends a variety of elements: ethereal vocal harmonies that echo with emotion, the soulful resonance of wind instruments, the dynamic textures of electric pianos, and rhythmic pulses from hand percussion. The dissonance that gaop creates is joined by gifted collaborators who lend their unique talents to further enhance this eclectic tapestry of sound.

This captivating exploration of musical possibilities is designed to transport listeners to a realm where creativity knows no limits. Whether you're a longtime free-jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer to this world of improvisation, this album promises to engage and intrigue with its innovative approach to sound.

Don't miss out on this auditory adventure — now available for streaming on all major platforms. Dive into the shadows and let the music envelop you.

For listeners craving something that defies the algorithmic predictability of modern jazz, Cardboard Boulevard isn't just an album, it’s a necessary intervention. gaop constructs a world where beauty is found in the creases, where a missed note or a breath caught mid-phrase becomes the focal point of the composition. This is avant-jazz stripped of pretense but steeped in intentionality; it moves with the logic of a waking dream rather than a rehearsed score. The interplay between the organic warmth of the hand percussion and the cold, almost metallic resonance of the electric pianos creates a friction that is uniquely RZRecords, a sound that refuses to sit comfortably in the background. Whether you're mapping the dissonant vocal layers or simply drowning in the ambient murk, Cardboard Boulevard rewards deep listening and repeated dives into its shadows. Stream it loud, stream it alone, and let it rewire your expectations.

"Cardboard Boulevard" positions gaop as a vital voice in contemporary avant-garde jazz and experimental music, drawing direct lineage from free jazz pioneers like Ornette Coleman, Albert Ayler, and the Art Ensemble of Chicago while incorporating modern influences from noise jazz artists, ambient improvisation, and electroacoustic composition. Released through RZRecords in October 2024, this experimental jazz album showcases sophisticated improvisational techniques featuring clarinet, wind instruments, electric piano, hand percussion, and processed vocals that appeal to fans of artists like The Necks, Irreversible Entanglements, and Sons of Kemet. Available for streaming on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, and all major digital platforms, the album has garnered attention from avant-garde music communities, free jazz enthusiasts, and experimental music listeners seeking challenging instrumental music that balances accessibility with uncompromising artistic vision. The collaborative nature of "Cardboard Boulevard" highlights the strength of RZRecords' artist roster, with contributions from Haggari Nakashe and NishMa adding layers of sonic complexity that transform the album into a collective improvisation rather than a solo statement. For listeners searching for dark jazz, ambient jazz fusion, experimental woodwind music, or contemporary free improvisation, this release offers an essential entry point into gaop's distinctive approach to sound art and jazz deconstruction, rewarding both casual listening and deep analytical engagement with its rich textural palette and dynamic range that spans from whispered intimacy to overwhelming sonic density.

BLOOD STAINED SOIL by SMEGMASMOG

 

SMEGMASMOG returns with another unrelenting descent into sonic despair with "BLOOD STAINED SOIL," released October 23, 2024, a release that doesn't just flirt with darkness, it marries it, consummates it, and leaves the wreckage smoldering. This latest offering doubles down on the project's signature fusion of depressive harsh noise wall aesthetics with haunting melodic undercurrents that cut deeper than pure aggression ever could. The title itself evokes imagery of war, trauma, and the earth itself bearing witness to violence, and the music delivers on that promise without a single word spoken. This is blackened noise as requiem, as monument to suffering that refuses the comfort of catharsis or resolution.

The duo's own words frame the album's intent with striking clarity: "THE TEARS OF OUR MOTHERS ARE TRANSFORMED INTO SIREN SCREAMS OF REMEMBERANCE. SEE THE PAIN OF OUR PEOPLE, HEAR OUR VOICE." This statement isn't mere promotional copy, it's a mission statement, a warning, and an invitation to witness. SMEGMASMOG transforms generational grief and collective trauma into sound, channeling the kind of pain that gets passed down through families, communities, and entire peoples who have been forced to watch their land violated and their stories erased. The "siren screams" they reference aren't abstract; they're embedded in every feedback shriek, every distorted wail that punctures through the dense walls of noise. This is mourning as resistance, memory as weapon, and sound as testimony that refuses to be silenced or sanitized for easier consumption.

What sets "BLOOD STAINED SOIL" apart in SMEGMASMOG's growing catalog is its patient brutality and its refusal to separate personal anguish from political reality. Where other harsh noise wall projects maintain relentless static consistency, SMEGMASMOG allows space for the horror to breathe, keyboard lines emerge like memories surfacing through mud, feedback shrieks become voices of the buried and forgotten, and the overall density shifts between suffocating walls of distortion and moments where the weight lifts just enough to reveal the full scope of desolation beneath. The production choices here are deliberate and sophisticated despite the raw aesthetic; each layer of noise serves a purpose, building an atmosphere that's less about sonic assault and more about psychological erosion. This is music for sitting alone in the dark, for confronting the parts of history and personal experience that polite society would rather forget. The duo demands that we see, that we hear, that we bear witness to what continues to stain the soil beneath our feet.

Available now on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, and documented on Discogs, "BLOOD STAINED SOIL" solidifies SMEGMASMOG's position as one of the most emotionally complex and politically conscious projects operating in the extreme experimental music underground. This isn't background music, and it's certainly not meant to be palatable, it's meant to leave a mark, to stain the listener the way its title suggests earth is stained by violence and watered by tears that have turned to screams. For those who found resonance in the depressive weight of "BETRAYAL" or who appreciate how projects like Pharmakon and The Body use noise as a vehicle for genuine emotional expression rather than mere sonic extremity, this release is essential. Stream it loud, sit with the discomfort, and let SMEGMASMOG guide you through territories that most artists are too afraid or too comfortable to explore. See the pain. Hear the voice. Remember.

xPhin - takahashi

 

xPhin - takahashi, album cover by Azalia Imamutdinova

It brings us much joy to inform you about the next release!
xPhin's "takahashi" is a unique delight, and every single track on this concept album is a certified banger.

It's a wonderful type of minimalistic ambient music, originating in noise, but existing as melodic synth drones with a certain punch to them. That is until you get to the parts of the album where it's a full-blown, face-melting, HNW assault. This album has intricate layers, subtle motifs, and well-thought-out complexity.
In "takahashi", xPhin is a skilled storyteller, taking you on a journey. 

Speaking of tales and journeys, the nine tracks on this album might or might not correspond with the nine panels of the album cover. It's up to the listener to decipher and establish the connection. Tell us if you do, please; as the abstract might (and should) resonate differently with each listener. 

xPhin is a name you might recall from RZRecords 6 WAY SPLIT, Vol.2  to which he contributed the track Dark Macadamia. It's a huge pleasure for us to have him back in our ranks; especially for such a wonderful album. 

Here's to many more releases such as this one, and peace on earth, obviously.

Honey & Cream by Les Carnages Possibles, NishMa & gaop

 

Honey & Cream offers an intriguing take on the original track, "Honey Hunting" by Les Carnages Possibles and NishMa, now reimagined by gaop. Like the original, this release features the same mesmerizing drones and captivating female vocals enveloped in dark ambient sounds, but it adds to it.

This edited and overdubbed version takes the emotionally charged original, adding delicate layers of synth drones, subtle hiss noises, and woodwinds, resulting in a beautiful and poignant tribute with a unique character of its own.

This remix isn't just a cover; it’s a true deconstructed club-inspired metamorphosis. Where the original "Honey Hunting" felt like a drift through a vast, dark cavern, gaop’s version builds intimate, claustrophobic chambers within that space. By isolating the ethereal female vocals and threading them through gauzy layers of hiss and woodwind, the artist transforms the emotional core from one of searching to one of lingering memory. It’s a masterclass in how dark ambient music can be both deeply personal and universally resonant, proving that restraint often yields the most profound impact.

Listen closely with your top quality headphones, and you’ll discover gaop’s subtle genius in the negative space. The added synthesizer drones don’t compete with the original drone work; instead, they act as a warm, melancholic shadow, bending the pitch ever so slightly to create gentle, microtonal dissonances. This technique, paired with the deliberate inclusion of crackle and hiss, bridges the gap between pristine digital production and the warmth of worn-out vinyl. It makes "Honey & Cream" feel less like a digital file and more like a cherished, physical artifact, a fleeting moment captured beautifully on dusty tape.

"3" by cÆNINEZ, Haggari Nakashe & gaop, and SMEGMASMOG is finally out on all platforms!

"3" is a split release by cÆNINEZ, Haggari Nakashe & gaop, and SMEGMASMOG, showcasing just how interesting, layered, dynamic, and complex noise music can be.

This release is a standing proof of the greatness of a genre, which is often blamed for being diluted by an infinite number of artists on their home computers. 

With only three tracks, and clocking just under half an hour, this release brings forth a potpourri of haunting sounds, the darkest of ambients, drones, shrieks, and beeps. 

With the sheer amount of music released every second, this testament to the remarkable side of noise might get lost to time, only to be occasionally remembered by the participants themselves. But such is always the nature and risk of music. This is especially true for noise music genres. The constant fate of extreme, independent, and experimental releases that have little to no mass appeal to begin with.

At the end of the day, it is up to each and every one of us to make sure that the music we love is not overshadowed by the passage of time. The artists, the labels, the listeners, the people sharing links online, we each do our tiny part in appreciation and preservation. It's a delicate ecosystem, and we hope that our work on bringing forth "3" is nurturing enough for you to keep on flourishing. 

Releases like "3" face constant risk of being lost to algorithmic noise. By writing about, sharing, and archiving these works, listeners become active participants in experimental music preservation. Every stream, download, and blog mention acts as evidence that this corner of the underground exists. If you create avant-jazz, drone, HNW, or noise rock, we want to hear it. Read our guide, then hit us up for a spot on our split series. The ecosystem survives only when we each do our tiny part.

Unlike solo albums, splits foster direct dialogue between artists. They are the most accessible entry point for listeners new to depressive blackened noise or electroacoustic improvisation. They require no expensive studio time, only the willingness to share space with another artist's vision.

Experiments for Two Synths by gaop & Haggari Nakashe

 

Released March 18th, 2024, this is a series of audio experiments.

Nine tracks, clocking just under 19 minutes, featuring layers of synth "music", in the form of various textures.

This EP presents a compelling and innovative approach to audio experimentation. It stands as a significant addition to the collaborative projects of gaop and Haggari Nakashe, showcasing their dedication to pushing creative boundaries and exploring new sonic territories.

At the current stage of audio evolution, achieving true revolutionary innovation in the realms of sound may be quite an arduous task. Nonetheless, this dynamic duo persists in delving into refreshing concepts using their distinctive approach, and it is their unwavering dedication that renders their exploration truly captivating. 
Seems that it's this infant-like amazement that allows one to approach everything with a brand new perspective, even if the subject at hand has indeed been explored by numerous artists and scholars.

This is not the first or last time someone uses layered synth sounds in the name of exploration, but it sure is as good an attempt as any of them. Perhaps these are even slightly better than some.

SMEGMASMOG - RAW POWER

RAW POWER, the brand-new release by SMEGMASMOG is now available on Bandcamp. 

We'll also be distributing SMEGMASMOG's back catalog soon, along with a few new releases that are currently in the works.

Sabixatzil - A Longing

 A Longing is a release by Sabixatzil, further exploring the (post) classical guitar sound.

Decades ago, it was our friend and colleague TFIM (The Famous Itai Matos) who supposedly invented the "broken" guitar style. Today, it's Sabixatzil that's perfecting it.

Moreover, for this release, it's merged with recording techniques, found sound elements, field recordings, and other layers that elevate this from being a merely solo guitar effort, into an experimental masterclass.

We're thrilled to have Sabixatzil in the studio again after a long hiatus. There are a few more of his releases we'll post about soon, and we're hopeful there will be even more coming our this year!

In Drone We Trust, by NishMa, Haggari Nakashe and gaop

 A while back we told you about an upcoming special release that wasn't only a collaboration between artists, but also a joint effort between RZRecords and Ranger Magazine.

Ranger Magazine was the first platform on which we released IN DRONE WE TRUST, the dreamy, spooky, wonderfully haunting album by NishMa, Haggari Nakashe, and gaop.

This release is interesting as it's almost a meditative trance of sorts, while also being heavy-hitting (bordering on doom metal aesthetics) at times, and ambient-like, droning, and experimental enough to contain elements of noise and free jazz.

We're now glad to announce that this album is available on all streaming platforms, and if not all then surely most of the big ones. 

Please, go on and enjoy this thing of beauty.

One last note: while this year our main focus is releasing and distributing digital albums, we are considering releasing this gem in physical format. This will mostly be up to our listeners, which is based on the play statistics.

Every now and then we toy around with the thought of doing new CDR releases, cassettes, and even vinyl, but as of now, there was no special demand that we noticed. If you feel strongly about owning 

our releases or merch, please let us know!!!

ohrr - Excerpt

Our good friend ohrr is back with a brand new single!

Ambient that turns into a groovy, guitar (and synth) led, electronica.

Good stuff!

You can hear it and his other tracks via ohrr's Spotify, or on this very embed:

There's another great release by ohrr we've yet to post about, but promise we will soon.

It's called "Put Your Hand in Mine and Call Me Missy", a superb collab album he released with gaop a couple of months ago.

Paxit - some good news and some not so good

So let's start with the good news: Paxit is now available on Bandcamp.

They've started adding some of their releases, and new materials will also be available soon.

This is in addition to Paxit's Spotify discography. 

And now for the bad news: some of the releases are still missing, so no full discography here.

For those not in the know, Paxit is a group that noise metal group, although for their first decade of existence, they had ten members for their live shows, some of them playing trumpet, saxophone, or just screaming into the void in costumes and makeup. They went from that to a doom, drone, sludge trio, and there have been numerous lineup changes, sound pivots, and so on.

The lineup changes didn't hurt their passion, and even though they had frequent style changes, the core remained raw and crazy.

This is what they looked and sounded like for a hot moment around 2007, which is around seventeen years ago:

While this is somewhat expected for such a chaotic group, it is not the best news.

As we posted on social in the past - we're still looking for whatever's left of their old physical releases, those CDRs, those ZIP files on thumb drives, etc.

There are also some legal issues with obtaining their debut album, so things being spotty is business as usual.

To conclude: Paxit's new music coming up - is good. Paxit music lost to time - bad.

If you have any of those releases, please use our contact form to tell us all about it!

Seriously, if you have anything that could help us preserve their past music, please let us know.

Sabixatzil - A.LL ALON.E

 

Sabixatzil’s A.LL ALON.E stands out from the rest of the artists' works with its unique focus on simpler guitar, much cleaner, less chaotic sounds over the regular noise and jazz. 

Despite this, it still manages to incorporate some of the more intense and chaotic elements present in Sabixatzil’s other releases and projects. The album's sound is both distinctive and straightforward in a very impressive manner, making it an enjoyable listening experience, still bordering on the experimental, with the recording techniques, tonality, and overall motif. 

If you’re a fan of neo-classical, Spanish-influenced, guitar noodling, look no further. There's a whole range of sounds of emotions for you, in this eight-track release.

Honey Hunting, by Les Carnages Possibles & NishMa

 

Honey Hunting, a collaboration between Les Carnages Possibles and NishMa is an 18-minute track that's going to blow you away.

Both Amsterdam-based artists bring their A-game and deliver this weird, haunting, extremely delicate, thoughtful release, unique in a way that seems not to be of this world and is definitely very hard to describe or pin down to a certain genre.

The vocals, the instrumentation, the way it generates tension and fear, it's really unique.

The fact that they chose us to release and distribute this gem is both exciting and humbling.

Introspection by Intro Vertic & gaop

 

Close your eyes and let your imagination take you on a journey to a magical place where the ethereal sounds of electronic ambient music blend seamlessly with the rich notes of a clarinet. This four-track EP is a delightful exploration of that space, taking you on an enchanting expedition that yields a plethora of wonderful results. Each track is a unique masterpiece, crafted with precision and care to showcase the beauty and harmony that can be achieved when two seemingly disparate genres of music come together. So sit back, relax, and let the music transport you to a world where anything is possible. 

In "Introspection", Intro Vertic and gaop have collaborated to create a wonderful EP that is a true representation of a unique blend of ambient, IDM, jazz, and an innovative approach to free music. The result is a captivating soundscape that takes the listener on a (too short of a) journey through a variety of emotions. It's an impressive work that showcases the skill and creativity of both artists in a way that is sure to delight fans of the genres, and I honestly wish there was more of it, much more.

You Will Know Them by Their Fruits by NishMa, Haggari Nakashe & gaop

 

An hour-long sonic journey awaits you, featuring three distinct tracks, co-created by three talented artists.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the haunting sounds of drone, dark jazz, ambient, and doom music, all brought to life through a unique blend of woodwinds, drums, electric pianos, synths, bass, and even some bells.

Brace yourself for an otherworldly experience "like no other", brought to you by the collaborative efforts of NishMa, Haggari Nakashe, and gaop.

You Will Know Them by Their Fruits is an interesting experience, and we're glad that RZRecords is part of it.

NishMa, Haggari Nakashe, and gaop have masterfully crafted a musical tapestry that slightly pushes boundaries and defies boring traditional genre constraints. The two longer tracks within this sonic journey (25 and 33 minutes long) unfold like a chapter in a mysterious narrative, drawing you in with hypnotic rhythms, evocative melodies, and subtle nuances. The third, much shorter track, serves as an intermission between these two mammoths.

As you delve deeper into the intricacies of this collaborative effort, you will find yourself completely enchanted by the seamless convergence of drone, doom's brooding intensity, jazz's soulful improvisation, and ambient music's ethereal atmospheres. The result is a rich tapestry of sound that transcends genres, offering a somewhat unique and immersive listening experience that might not be "unlike any other," as musical innovation is hard to do, but what it does is stand tall, on the shoulders of giants. The giants of jazz-doom.

Musical innovation is hard. Musical innovation involves pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and breaking new ground in the world of music. That's not an easy task. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. It takes mastery, honed through a lifetime of practicing, experimenting, education, or just the rare gift of natural talent.

That said, experimenting with music is a delightful and refreshing endeavor that can bring joy and excitement to your life as an artist or even a listener. Whether you're trying out a new instrument, exploring different genres, or creating your own combo of genres and sounds, music is a therapeutic and invigorating experience. Not only does it stimulate your creativity and imagination, but it also has positive effects on your mental and emotional well-being (this is a plug for Haggari's upcoming album "Chamber").

So, what is an experimental collaborative album? Is it a cure for the masses? A way for friends to pass the time and have some fun? A bold way to go where others went before? All I'm saying is, doom-jazz is a genre that needs to be more popular, and this release is a good place to start.

NishMa: drums
Haggari Nakashe: tape loops, synths, bells
gaop: electric piano, bass, woodwind instruments

gaop - Heavenly Jazz Noise Father

We've been quite busy with releasing music, and that took a toll on posting about said music.

Be warned, there are going to be numerous posts about numerous releases.

You might even like some!

Heavenly Jazz Noise Father by gaop is a three track electro-acoustic-jazz-noise EP. Clocking in just under 20 minutes but delivering all of the goods.

Here's the blurb that was originally posted by gaop:

An exploration of the Jazz-Noise spectrums. Walking the sacred grounds between the two genres, with a heavy bag of influences.
The goal in mind for this EP was to somewhat fuse two genres, using their commonalities.
These tracks utilize the electronic, acoustic, instrumental, harsh, experimental, improvisational, intense, cerebral and carnal, to produce an interesting palette.

Earlier variations of the tracks in this EP appeared in compilations this year, but were revisited, re-edited, and partially re-recorded for the occasion.

And that's about it.

No further description required, really. Just take a listen.

I couldn't have worded it better myself. 

Adding a Bandcamp embed of the album below, so you can play it without bothering yourself with a search.

ohrr - ever rest

"ever rest" by ohrr is a three track EP, that blends post metal, with dark ambient and sound manipulation. It's doomy and gloomy in nature, and has a heavy feeling to it, even though it's minimalistic and partially acoustic.

We're humbled and delighted to have it on RZRecords. "ever rest" was not only highly anticipated, but is also a breath of fresh air.

This EP follows several singles ohrr released in 2023, but while those were more of a noisy ambient, IDM like takes on electronic music, this release channels artists such as Jodis, Sumac, Neurosis, Tribes of Neurot or at times even Tool, in composition and concept. 

The release is instrumental, 15.5 minutes in length and currently available on all streaming platforms.

ohrr - ever rest

[UPCOMING] In Drone We Trust - in collaboration with Ranger Magazine

We're very excited to share that the soon to be published issue #4 of the wonderful Ranger Magazine will include a premiere release of In Drone We Trust, the long awaited collaboration between NishMa, Haggari Nakashe & gaop.

This nine track album has been in the works for the entirety of 2023, with a few singles (with earlier versions of the tracks) appearing throughout the year on compilations.

The album is (obviously) drone heavy, incorporating elements of dark ambient, noise, experimental or avant-garde metal, and just a dash of woodwind instruments and world music motifs.

Ranger magazine is a web publication (with printed copies) dedicated to experimental art, poetry, music and film. We encourage you to explore past issues and stay tuned for issue #4.

In Drone We Trust, by NishMa, Haggari Nakashe & gaop