I’ve been following Pothamus since their amazing debut full-length – Raya –released back in 2020. Critically acclaimed in Europe and a welcome addition to the burgeoning post-metal scene at the time, the Belgium band certainly carved a name for themselves quickly via Pelagic Records. I was lucky enough to catch Pothamus at ArcTanGent as well in 2023, compounding my opinion that their unique sound and approach to the genre could take them far.
Operating since 2013, the Belgians have spun out several records that take their oppressive blend of sludgy post-metal and charge it with spiritual and esoteric themes. Thundering drums and guitars meet mournful, introspective lyrics, with crushing climaxes to well-thought-out songs.
Listening to the first two tracks of Abur, I felt rewarded in my belief that the band had taken the quality of Raya, added extra layers and depth to their sound, and set listeners up for four more tracks of mind-bending delight. “Zhikarta” is one of their best tracks yet, with a fantastic energy and unique blending of eastern themes into its soundscape. Fans of bands like Lowen, SUNNATA, Wyatt. E, and Five The Hierophant will appreciate the flavours they’ve mixed in here, and are arguably the heaviest take. “Ravus” is more sludgy and gritty, showcasing excellent and gruelling riffs.
All that said, whilst I’m always up for some interesting contrast to offset the heavy, the next track “De-Varium” completely wipes the energy from the album. Whilst the effect might’ve been intentional, the track is so mind-numbingly boring and uneventful that I don’t wake up until halfway through the next track. I’ve tracked this phenomenon through many listens, in multiple scenarios (driving, dog walking, working, gaming), and every time, I just get cataclysmically bored and snap back to attention two to three minutes into “Savartuum Avur”.
This track does bring back the quality of the first two, building gradually to brilliant furores, taking you down introspective and exciting psychedelic journies in the process. You get to appreciate the awesome mix from Chiaran Verheyden (Hippotraktor/Psychonaut), which is nicely spaced and encapsulating. One of my systems is a 5.1, and it sounds exceptional across all channels.
Yet what is funny is that Pothamus, in my opinion, repeats the same mistake straight after with “Ykavus”. Whilst yes, exceptionally mixed and featuring some glorious vocals from Sam Coussens, the tempo is gutted from the record again and I just cannot understand what mood or state I should be in to fully soak in the creator’s vision. At this point, I’ve often switched to a new record to pursue something more energetic or less mournful. The final track isn’t one to be missed either, but it often has been for me unless I specifically pick it to play it, which is not what I would’ve expected going into the record, coming off the back of Raya.
Plenty of positives with the individual tracks, but the overall flow of the album could’ve been better. That said, Pothamus have a fantastic formula, especially considering there are just three of them. The layers presented are massive, yet not overcrowding and tiresome like some sludge can be. Live they are a force to be reckoned with, so make sure to check them out when they come to a town near you!
