Anomalous Trackologies Split by Heavy Insect and Haggari Nakashe & gaop

 

We are extremely happy to announce this super interesting release, one of the first gems to hit RZR in 2025.

A split between Heavy Insect, an alternative noise rock, sludge, post-grunge, insanecore, weirdo indie one-man band from Chicago, doing some really inspiring work from his basement, and our very own Haggari Nakashe & gaop, with a painfully loud, raw, slow, and dirty take on noise rock.

This split will be released on streaming platforms around April, but as of last night, you can stream and purchase it via Heavy Insect's Bandcamp (see the embed below for easy access). We encourage you to do so. Make sure to check out his latest album "Out of Light", which was released last month.

Officially known as RZR release RZR25SS01,  we really hope that the Anomalous Trackologies Split will help to put us back on track with our split series. This pet project is something we try to promote hard every year but often underperform, given how sometimes life is just a series of random events that can hold you back from doing the things you love.

Now that we hopefully have you excited about this item, please make sure to follow Heavy Insect on Instagram as well because he definitely deserves your attention both to his music and to his visual art, which is on some primitive outsider next level. Don't forget to follow him on Bandcanp, Spotify, and wherever you get your music from. You won't regret it.

Another note about this release: You have to listen to the entirety of it in one go, or at least so we recommend. The tracks get increasingly more chaotic and heavy as they progress, so essentially, this release is meant to lure people in like a Siren and hit em like a Venus flytrap. Have to is obviously very strong wording, and we're not forcing you to do anything. If you have read this post so far, we're mostly grateful for your time and attention. 

What makes this split particularly effective is the dialogue between basement-born chaos and intentional sonic brutality. Heavy Insect's approach, lo-fi, unpredictable, genre-defying, feels like someone tearing apart the rulebook while Haggari Nakashe & gaop meticulously construct their assault with deliberate slowness and grime. It's the difference between wild improvisation and calculated devastation, yet both sides share a commitment to making noise rock feel genuinely unsettling again rather than just loud. The pairing works because neither artist is trying to be palatable or accessible; they're both committed to discomfort as an aesthetic choice, just arriving at it through different creative processes.

The DIY spirit runs deep through this release, and that extends beyond just the music itself. Heavy Insect's visual art deserves special mention here, his outsider aesthetic complements the sonic chaos perfectly, creating a complete artistic vision that reminds you why independent labels this matter. This is art made by people who need to make it, not because there's a market for it or because algorithms will reward it, but because the alternative is not making it at all. In an era where even "underground" music gets smoothed out for playlist compatibility, releases like Anomalous Trackologies feel genuinely countercultural, two artists from different far apart , connected by a label that's been championing this kind of uncompromising work for over two decades, creating something that exists entirely outside the usual music industry infrastructure.

4AU by Sabixatzil, Haggari Nakashe, gaop & NishMa

We have some very exciting news to share!

Today, this killer release is dropping via our good friend, Fruit Exports.

This gloomy and doomy 25-minute-long session is a an amalgamation of various musical styles, blending elements of free jazz, noise, drone, and doom, along with a bunch of other genres that cleverly overlap within this eclectic Venn diagram. 

It was a fun live session that some of the RZRecords team had the pleasure of participating in, each contributing their unique vibe, flair, and creative energy to the groovy noise-soundscape we crafted together.

The lineup was:
Sabixatzil - Guitar
Haggari Nakashe - Synths
gaop - Clarinet
NishMa - Drums, percussion

Following the live session, the original source files underwent a light process of re-editing, during which we infused the recording with some studio magic, and sprinkled some more dirt on it, enhancing the auditory experience and further elevating the raw sounds we had initially produced. 

This refinement transformed our joined performance into a polished-turd-like piece of noise art, capturing the essence of our improvisational exploration while also offering a more cohesive listening experience. But you can be the judge of that.

We were incredibly fortunate to connect with the wonderful folks at the Fruit Exports label, who expressed interest in our work and graciously agreed to release this session for the world to hear. Their support and enthusiasm for our project not only provided us with a wider platform but also validated the creative efforts of all the artists involved. 

This isn't just a collaboration between artists but also a collaboration between like-minded labels, and we strongly encourage you to check out their other releases on their Bandcamp, which have been accumulating over the last year, as there's a lot of inspiring music coming from them.

We are eagerly looking forward to sharing this unique sonic experience with you, don't feel pressured though. We're also looking forward to collaborating with Fruit Exports again in the very near future!

This EP is available for streaming and name-your-price download on the Fruit Exports Bandcamp.

The instrumental lineup here creates fascinating textural possibilities that wouldn't emerge in a more conventional band setup. Sabixatzil's guitar provides the foundation of grit and distortion, while Haggari's synths wash over everything with oscillating dread. But it's gaop's clarinet that becomes the wildcard, a voice that slips between melodic fragments and squealing dissonance, sometimes conversing with the rhythm section, sometimes fighting against it. NishMa's percussion work anchors the chaos without attempting to tame it, providing just enough structure to keep the whole thing from dissolving entirely while still leaving space for the improvisation to breathe and mutate. This combination of traditional jazz instrumentation (clarinet, drums) with noise elements (synth abuse, distorted guitar) creates a sonic middle ground where neither genre dominates, resulting in something genuinely hybrid.

The partnership with Fruit Exports represents exactly the kind of cross-pollination that keeps experimental music communities vital and interconnected. Rather than operating in isolation, RZRecords continues to build bridges with like-minded outlets, creating networks of support that benefit everyone involved. Fruit Exports has been quietly building an impressive catalog over the past year, and this collaboration gives both labels' audiences a chance to discover new artists they might have otherwise missed. The name-your-price model on Bandcamp also reflects a shared philosophy about accessibility, these aren't releases designed to maximize profit, but rather to maximize reach and impact. When underground labels collaborate like this, they're not just releasing music; they're actively building the infrastructure that allows experimental music to survive and thrive outside commercial channels.

One Eighty Seven by Haggari Nakashe

Haggari Nakashe’s "One Eighty Seven" immerses listeners in a haunting soundscape that poignantly encapsulates the deep, often overwhelming emotions tied to seasonal affective disorder. As the seasons shift, so does the listener's mood, and these droning dark ambient textures create an atmosphere that echoes the melancholy accompanying this cyclical change. The synth layers evoke a sense of desolation, mirroring the stark contrast between the vibrant summer and the mournful winter. Each note echoes the feelings of isolation and introspection that many experience as the days grow shorter, enveloping the listener in a blanket of sorrow that is both familiar and profound.


The structure of "One Eighty Seven" effectively mirrors the rhythmic nature of seasonal depression, using a semi-pleasant yet unsettling drone that feels like the weight of impending darkness. This slow build never culminates, as feelings constantly twist and turn, perfectly capturing the unpredictable emotional landscape of those affected by this condition. As the track progresses, it invites reflection, encouraging listeners to confront their own seasonal struggles while reveling in the haunting beauty of the composition, mirroring the feeling a cold cloudy day leaves behind, where the clear air and the smell of rain mark one's soul with invisible melancholy. By the time the piece fades into silence, it leaves behind an echo of sadness that lingers in the air, a reminder of the yearly cycle of depression that many face. In this way, "One Eighty Seven" serves as a musical exploration of internal turmoil and a deeply resonant emotional experience that speaks to the universal struggle with the changing tides of life.


RZRecords catalog number: RZRx25x1

For fans of dark ambient music and experimental electronic soundscapes, "One Eighty Seven" represents a masterclass in synth-based composition and atmospheric production. Haggari Nakashe utilizes modular synthesis techniques and layered drone textures to create an immersive listening experience that appeals to followers of artists like Lustmord, Tim Hecker, and The Haxan Cloak. Available for streaming on Spotify, Bandcamp, and other major music platforms, this dark ambient album showcases the producer's ability to craft emotionally resonant electronic music that transcends typical genre boundaries. The album's production quality demonstrates professional studio techniques combined with raw experimental elements, making it essential listening for anyone interested in ambient noise, drone music, or contemporary experimental electronic music in 2025.

Mental health awareness through music has become increasingly important in experimental and ambient music communities, and "One Eighty Seven" contributes meaningfully to this conversation by addressing seasonal affective disorder through sonic exploration. The album serves as both therapeutic soundscape and artistic statement, joining a growing catalog of mental health-focused ambient releases from independent labels like RZRecords. Listeners searching for music about depression, winter blues, or emotional wellness will find this dark ambient release particularly resonant, as it authentically captures the psychological weight of seasonal depression without resorting to cliché or oversimplification. The track is available as a free or name-your-price download on Bandcamp, making it accessible to anyone seeking cathartic electronic music or atmospheric soundscapes for meditation, reflection, or emotional processing during difficult seasonal transitions.

The Spirit of Jazz Compels You, by Haggari Nakashe & gaop

This is a single-track, 40-minute-long album, released in a very fun collaboration via two other labels: Splitting Sounds Records, from Serbia and Noyade Records, from Russia.

This is really pure joy. It's the excitement of an international collaboration with such amazing labels that release hidden gems, doing us the favor of bringing us in and allowing us the pleasure of joining their circle.

It's the joy of experimental music. Supporting a release that flows like a painting, it has a beautiful droning backdrop, layers of pads, noise, and acoustic instruments. What else could one ask for?

Not much really. 

Haggari Nakashe is on most electronics & gaop is on noise woodwinds.

Released on Splitting Sounds Records as SSR​​​-​​​RR​​​-​​​0248
Released on RZRecords as RZR24SoSc

"The Spirit of Jazz Compels You" represents a somewhat groundbreaking fusion of experimental jazz, drone music, and ambient soundscapes that pushes the boundaries of contemporary improvised music. This 40-minute journey through doom jazz and noise jazz territories combines acoustic woodwind instruments with electronic processing to create a sonic experience that appeals to fans of avant-garde jazz artists like John Zorn, The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble, and Bohren & der Club of Gore. The collaboration between Haggari Nakashe's electronic manipulations and gaop's experimental clarinet work produces layered drone textures that evoke the atmospheric qualities of dark jazz while maintaining the spontaneous energy of free improvisation. Listeners searching for experimental electronic music, atmospheric jazz, or drone ambient compositions will find this release particularly compelling, as it seamlessly merges multiple subgenres into a cohesive artistic statement available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and all major streaming platforms.

Be sure to visit, support, and follow these fellow creatives:

Splitting Sounds Records:

https://www.instagram.com/splittingsoundsrecords/
https://splittingsoundsrecords.bandcamp.com/music

https://splittingsoundsrecords.blogspot.com/

Noyade Records:
https://noyaderecords.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/noyaderecords/

https://www.facebook.com/noyaderecords/

Don't forget to follow the RZRecords Bandcamp which is finally back.

This release is also available on Spotify and most streaming platforms.

This international music collaboration between RZRecords, Splitting Sounds Records from Serbia, and Noyade Records from Russia demonstrates the global reach of underground experimental music networks in 2024. Independent record labels specializing in avant-garde music, noise releases, and experimental jazz continue to build cross-border partnerships that help promote underground artists and distribute limited-edition releases to worldwide audiences. Splitting Sounds Records has established itself as a prominent Serbian experimental music label, while Noyade Records brings Russian underground music perspectives to this tri-label collaboration. For fans of international experimental music and collectors of independent label releases, this partnership represents the kind of grassroots music distribution that keeps experimental jazz and avant-garde improvisation thriving outside mainstream music industry channels.

Extended format experimental music releases like "The Spirit of Jazz Compels You" offer listeners a meditative deep-listening experience that contrasts sharply with contemporary short-form digital music consumption. This single 40-minute composition follows in the tradition of long-form ambient music and extended jazz improvisation, requiring dedicated listening time to fully appreciate the evolving textures and gradual sonic transformations. The album's structure allows drone elements to develop organically while woodwind improvisations weave through electronic pads and noise textures, creating an immersive soundscape ideal for focused listening sessions, creative work, or contemplative environments. Fans of artists like Brian Eno's ambient works, Stars of the Lid's drone compositions, or extended free jazz recordings will appreciate the album's patient pacing and attention to textural detail. Available as a high-quality digital download on Bandcamp and streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms, this release joins a growing catalog of experimental music that prioritizes artistic vision over commercial radio formatting, offering listeners seeking challenging and rewarding musical experiences an essential addition to their experimental jazz and drone music collections.

Chamber, by Haggari Nakashe

In "Chamber", Haggari Nakashe takes listeners on an auditory journey melding dark ambient, noise, synth drones, and electro-acoustic elements into what often feels as a tundra-like soundscape. This album features five meticulously crafted tracks that delve into the intricate relationship between sound patterns and the emotional landscape of depression. With a keen focus on how specific frequencies resonate with human psyche, Nakashe employs an experimental approach, transforming simple melodic lines into complex layers that somehow evoke both unease and calm, relaxed introspection. The album’s haunting textures and immersive atmospheres reflect the artist's personal struggles, offering a sonic interpretation of his experiences with mental health.

Each track on "Chamber" serves as an exploration of the delicate interplay between sound and emotion, inviting listeners to confront their own emotional responses as they journey through the music. Nakashe's fusion of harsh noise with ambient tranquillity creates a dynamic listening experience that challenges preconceived notions of beauty in mind and sound. By manipulating frequency and resonance, he seeks to illustrate how audio can serve a multiple purpose as a reflection and an exploration of depression, but also a healing space in both the consumption and creation of sound-art, allowing a space for catharsis and understanding. As the album unfolds, listeners find themselves navigating through dissonance and harmony, ultimately culminating in a meditative realization of the complex nature of emotional healing through sound.

"Chamber" stands as a landmark achievement in contemporary experimental electronic music and sound art, positioning Haggari Nakashe among the most compelling voices in the global dark ambient and drone music scenes of 2024. Released through RZRecords on October 31st, a fitting Halloween release for its spectral sonic architecture, this five-track album demonstrates sophisticated synthesis techniques and psychoacoustic composition methods that align with the healing traditions of sound therapy while maintaining the uncompromising aesthetic of experimental noise music. The album's exploration of frequency manipulation recalls the pioneering work of artists like Éliane Radigue, Pauline Oliveros, and contemporary drone artists such as Sarah Davachi and Kali Malone, yet Nakashe's unique integration of electroacoustic processing with synthesizer-based drone compositions creates a distinctly personal voice within the experimental music landscape. Each track functions as both autonomous sonic installation and integral movement within a larger conceptual framework addressing mental health through sound, an increasingly vital intersection in contemporary experimental music, where artists like The Caretaker, Grouper, and Loscil have similarly explored themes of memory, loss, and psychological states through immersive ambient soundscapes. 

For listeners searching for therapeutic music, meditation soundscapes, or experimental ambient albums that balance artistic rigor with emotional accessibility, "Chamber" offers an entry point into deep listening practices while rewarding sustained attention with subtle textural shifts and harmonic variations that reveal themselves only through repeated engagement. Available on Bandcamp as a high-quality digital download and streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and other major platforms, the album has garnered attention from experimental music communities, sound healing practitioners, and fans of artists ranging from Tim Hecker and Ben Frost to more extreme noise artists like Merzbow and Pharmakon, demonstrating its unique position bridging ambient tranquility with noise music's cathartic intensity. 

The tundra-like soundscapes referenced in the album's aesthetic approach evoke the vast, desolate beauty found in Nordic ambient music traditions while incorporating modular synthesis techniques and granular processing common in contemporary electroacoustic composition, creating immersive sound environments ideal for contemplative listening, creative work, or therapeutic applications in music therapy and mindfulness practices focused on processing depression, anxiety, and emotional trauma through intentional sonic engagement.

Calm Down by Sabixatzil

Sabixatzil's latest album, "Calm Down," is focused on showcasing an intriguing approach that centers on simpler guitar arrangements. This release embraces a cleaner and more minimalist sound, steering away from the more chaotic noise and complex jazz elements that often characterize the artist’s portfolio. In doing so, "Calm Down" presents a contrast, inviting listeners to experience the beauty and intricacy that arises from a more straightforward, stripped down musical expression.

Despite its emphasis on simplicity, the album does not shy away from incorporating the intense and chaotic elements that fans have come to expect from Sabixatzil’s earlier projects. Instead, these more tumultuous components are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the music, creating a dynamic interplay between the serene and the chaotic. The result is a sound that is both distinctive and captivating, blending experimental nuances with a sense of clarity and directness that makes for an extraordinarily engaging listening experience.

What truly stands out in "Calm Down" is its impressive execution. The recording techniques employed are innovative in their simplicity, capturing the tonal quality of the guitar in a way that elevates the overall motif of the album. The interplay of light and shadow, tranquility and turbulence, reflects the depth of emotion that can be conveyed through seemingly simple melodies. This nuanced exploration of sound ensures that the album remains accessible while still pushing the boundaries of traditional and often"boring" genres.

For those who have a passion for neo-classical music infused with Spanish-guitar influences, "Calm Down" is an essential listen. Over the course of its tracks, the album offers a rich array of emotional experiences, showcasing a diverse range of tonalities and moods. From gentle, reflective passages to bursts of vibrant energy, each track contributes to a holistic journey that engages the listener from start to finish. Don't miss the opportunity to delve into this remarkable collection of sounds and emotions—it's a testament to Sabixatzil’s growth and artistic vision.

"Calm Down" marks a pivotal moment in Sabixatzil's artistic evolution, showcasing the experimental guitarist's ability to merge contemporary classical guitar techniques with post-modern improvisation and Spanish flamenco influences in ways that appeal to fans of artists like Manuel Göttsching, Derek Bailey, and Nels Cline. Released through RZRecords in October 2024, this minimalist guitar album demonstrates sophisticated fingerpicking techniques and prepared guitar methods that position Sabixatzil within the contemporary experimental guitar music scene alongside innovators in acoustic improvisation and neo-classical composition. Listeners searching for instrumental guitar music, Spanish guitar fusion, experimental classical music, or avant-garde acoustic compositions will find "Calm Down" particularly compelling, as it balances technical precision with emotional depth while maintaining accessibility for audiences beyond traditional experimental music circles. Available for streaming on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, the album has garnered attention from experimental music communities, classical guitar enthusiasts, and fans of post-rock guitar work seeking introspective instrumental music that rewards focused listening. The album's clean production and stripped-down arrangements make it ideal for background music during creative work, meditation, or study sessions, while also offering sufficient complexity for dedicated listening by experimental music aficionados interested in contemporary guitar composition, improvisational music, and the intersection of classical technique with experimental approaches.

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.