AGRESTAL LIGHT 'Visions in Convex' (CD/Digital) Released

https://frustrationjazz.bandcamp.com/album/visions-in-convex 

'Visions in Convex'

by

Agrestal Light

The debut album by Agrestal Light, a new ambient/experimental project with an emphasis on collaboration, 'Visions in Convex' is out now via Frustration Jazz (CD/Digital). The initial impetus for Agrestal Light was to take discarded demos or unreleased experiments from other artists who were “chosen for their oppositional qualities” and then manipulate, mix and add to those recordings in order to create new layered compositions. The album features Vis Ortis (Mekigah, Omajinaakoos), Gargoyler and Aquarian alongside Locus. 

Sonically the project centers around long form drone music interspersed with industrial noise and ambient textures. There are elements of minimalist composition throughout, with a dedication to composer Phill Niblock on the inside of the CD sleeve. 

Conceptually, there are several deep, layered references to memory and how we perceive memory throughout the entire album, located in the sounds but moreso in the names of each of the pieces as well.  

The CD comes in a beautiful, cardboard folded and hand-crafted sleeve, created by Tim from Frustration Jazz. A huge honor to be on one of my favorite labels of all time and to see the high-quality craftsmanship and care taken in fully bringing this album to life. 

https://frustrationjazz.bandcamp.com/album/visions-in-convex

Produced, Composed and Mixed by Sova Locus.

Aquarian: synth, guitar

Gargoyler: sax, electronics

Vis Ortis: strings, bells, sirens, percussion, samples

Locus: electronics, guitars, samples, bass, synth

Typography/Layout by Pulchra 

Thanks for listening, 

THIRSTY BLADE 'Mangled Honey' (CD/DIGITAL) Released

 

https://thirstyblade.bandcamp.com/album/mangled-honey   

'Mangled Honey'

by

Thirsty Blade

The debut album by my new harsh noise project Thirsty Blade is out now via Beneath the Cut (CD/Digital). Three tracks of contorted, twisting and layered electronics with one much more flexibly experimental track in the middle. Created throughout 24' but released in 25', this project harkens back to old school Merzbow, the era of no-instruments that produced some of the more textured electronic work by the Wiese/Mumma project Sissy Spacek and other experimentalists like Evischen, Masonna and Hanatarash. 

Electronics/Microphones/Pedals by Pulchra/Locus (Thirsty Blade)

Produced, Mixed and Composed by Thirsty Blade

Art by Pulchra

Recorded at Dead Nan Studios (MMXXV)

Contact: thirstybladenoise@gmail.com

Released by Beneath the Cut (BTC-001) (CD/Digital)

Thanks for listening, 

VALAGNOR 'Weathered Dominions' (EP) (CASSETTE/DIGITAL) Released

https://realmandritual.bandcamp.com/album/weathered-dominions 

https://valagnor.bandcamp.com/album/weathered-dominions-ep

'Weathered Dominions' 

by 

Valagnor 

The second release by my DS project Valagnor has recently been dropped on cassette (Limited 30) by US based label Realm & Ritual (Boston, US based). 'Weathered Dominions' uses the EP format to explore the darker/more melancholy sounds explored on the debut 'The Warmth of Distant Firelight' (2022) and depict flooded and weathered landscapes and narratives. 

Realm & Ritual were kind enough to release the cassette which (at time of writing) has almost completely sold out. View the cassettes below:

https://realmandritual.bandcamp.com/album/weathered-dominions 

'Weathered Dominions' is also available digitally via the Valagnor Bandcamp, along with the debut. Thanks to all those who continue to support the project. 

Written, Produced, Mixed and Mastered

by

Sova Locus

Art Direction by Locus

Layout/Typography/Design by Realm & Ritual (US)

Email/Contact: 

valagnorsounds@gmail.com

Released on cassette (/30) by Realm & Ritual (US)

https://realmandritual.bandcamp.com/ 

Thanks for listening, 

MEKIGAH 'To Hold Onto a Heartless Heart' (CD/DIGITAL) Guitar by Sova Locus

https://mekigah.bandcamp.com/album/to-hold-onto-a-heartless-heart 

'To Hold Onto A Heartless Heart' 

by  

Mekigah 

The fifth album (and first in 7 years) by Australian experimental doom band Mekigah was recently released by the legendary European metal label Aesthetic Death, and features SL on guitar throughout. 

Complex, challenging and highly experimental, 'To Hold Onto A Heartless Heart' presents 6 tracks of weaving, sludging, borderline-industrial doom metal, repellent with dissonant textures and dark ambient atmospherics. Sova Locus contributed guitar to around half the album, mixing tremolo picking with slow paced down-tuned guitar that was then manipulated and mixed in together with the plethora of other instruments and signals. 

A true honor to have contributed to this gem of an album and to listen back with an incredibly well-mastered production by Greg Chandler (of legendary doom band Esoteric). CD comes as fold-out digipack, featuring artwork and drawings by Mekigah. 

Composed, recorded & mixed by Vis Ortis & L.R in Tasmania. 

Mastered by Greg Chandler at Priory Studios  

Additional Guitars by Sova Locus & Richard Ziltch 

Extra chants by AP & Con BCTW  

Chainsaw by Sammy

Saw & additional backing vocals by PRT

Released by AD (CD/Digital)

Thanks for listening,

Primal Regression Therapy 'Orchestral Oneirology' (CASSETTE/DIGITAL)

'Orchestral Oneirology' 

by

Primal Regression Therapy 

Released by Hyper Chaos
Tapes (Cassette/Digital) 

https://primalregressiontherapy.bandcamp.com/album/orchestral-oneirology-2 

Throughout 2022 Primal Regression Therapy sporadically worked on a plethora of material that eventually became two albums; 'Orchestral Oneirology' is the first to be complete and released. The album continues the meditative tones of 2021's Astral Agnosia but introduces darker and more formless structures, utilizing the saxophone and trumpet to layer atmospherics on top of the core-band members playing. By now a performing member of the band, SL contributed synths and percussion to the composition of the album, as well as completing the mix and master based on an initial mix by bandmate Sky Black. 

Released by Melbourne based Hyperchaos Tapes, the initial pressing was highly limited to 15 copies, which are all currently sold out. The album can still be heard on Bandcamp and purchased digitally there.

Sky Black 

L'Amour 

Sova Locus 

w/ 

Jon Smeathers- Saxophone 

Yono B- Trumpet 

Produced by Primal Regression Therapy in 2022, Tasmania. 

Mix Construction by Sky Black 

Mixed/Mastered by Sova Locus 

Released on limited edition cassette by Hyperchaos Tapes. 

Cover by L'Amor/Black 

Thanks for listening. 

Volito Skies Debut Album 'TRANQUILLUM' Released by Soft Intricacies (Digital)

'Tranquillum'

by

Volito Skies 

Released by Soft Intricacies (Digital) 

https://volitoskiessound.bandcamp.com/releases 

Volito Skies is a new (but old) project which started as an untitled, un-promoted and intentionally un-Bandcamp/Spotify album created and mixed throughout 2019. The main intention behind the album was to create an atmospheric/soothing set of sounds and songs which could either be focused on or left hanging in the background whilst meditating, cooking, reading, studying or just generally relaxing. It was used purely for that purpose for a few years. It was also occasionally sent or copied for friends on various handmade CD's or on longer mixtapes. All those who heard the album prior to a proper release seemed to enjoy it, so recently SL sat down to re-listen. 

'Tranquillum' consists of four long-form soundscape pieces rife with smooth, bright textures and long, sustaining passages of keyboard notes and tones. Designed to be comforting, all pieces were written with the intent of being more a structure of warm sound, as opposed to a distinct 'song' or descript 'piece'. Generally all tracks feature a structured keyboard passage, accompanied by FX-manipulated additional keys, and, on occasion, subtle electronics. 

This album was released by Soft Intricacies (Overall- 7, Digital- 6) and is available via Bandcamp, as well as also being available on Spotify.

The following statement features on Discogs/Bandcamp: 

'This album was created to be played as the basis of meditation or to help focus whilst studying, reading or relaxing. 

Volito Skies aims consistently to release albums for FREE where it is possible'

All sounds created using keys and electronics 

Written, performed, mixed and mastered by Sova Locus

Released by Soft Intricacies 

Thanks for listening,

VALAGNOR Debut Album 'The Warmth of Distant Firelight' Released (Digital)

 

https://valagnor.bandcamp.com/album/the-warmth-of-distant-firelight

'The Warmth of Distant Firelight'

by

Valagnor

The debut album by Sova Locus' dungeon synth/ambient project Valagnor is out now, via Soft Intricacies (Digital). 

Taking inspiration from a combination of older school DS music (Old Tower, Secret Stairways) and newer releases (Ozeregroth, Chaucerian Myth), 'The Warmth of Distant Firelight' showcases a diverse range of ambient keyboard music, placed firmly within the aesthetics of the dungeon synth genre. 

Many thanks and much love to all those who inspired (artistically and otherwise) the creation of this project and album. 

Written, Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Sova Locus 

Art Direction by Locus Design/Layout by L. Kenna

Released by Soft Intricacies (Digital) (8-7)

Thanks for listening, 

ARCANUM AZF/K​Ø​VVNS SPLIT (TAPE/DIGITAL) Released by High Mage Productions (US)

 

https://highmagetapes.com/album/k-vvns-x-arcanum-azf-split

'Split'

by

Arcanum AZF/K​Ø​VVNS

Arcanum AZF have released a brand-new split with US based ambient soundscape/dark ambient project KØ​VVNS (based in Portland, US) via High Mage Productions (Colorado, US) on small edition tape and digital. 

AZF's three tracks continue the sonic explorations of black and sludge metal whilst furthering the projects experiments with noise and dark ambient elements explored on 'Ades Draconis'. O.M. provides vocals on the opening track, amid washes of black metal inspired noise. 

The singular KØ​VVNS track explores ritualistic dronescapes, incorporating wide ranging string and 'traditional instrument' playing with field recordings and electronic sounds. Together, the four tracks show unique yet interconnected approaches to marrying sound art with music. 

High Mage Productions have put together an amazing print of tapes (limited to 20), available through their Bandcamp page. The split is also available to purchase digitally. 

'Split'

by

Arcanum AZF/KØ​VVNS

O.M.- Vocals, Pedalboard, Guitar, Electronics

Sova Locus- Electronics

Mixed and Mastered by Sova Locus (Tracks 2-4)

Art by O.M.

Track 1 by KØ​VVNS

Tracks 2-4 by Arcanum AZF

Pressing/Layout Design by High Mage Productions

Edition of 20. 

Thanks for listening,

Thanks for listening, 

AKANDA debut EP 'Luciferian Majesty' (Digital) Additional Mixing by Sova Locus

 

https://akanda.bandcamp.com/album/luciferian-majesty

'Luciferian Majesty'

by

Akanda

The debut EP 'Luciferian Majesty' by Blackwave/electronic act Akanda is out now via the band's Bandcamp page. It is also available to listen to on Spotify and via the YouTube channel 'Antifascist Black Metal Network'. 

'Luciferian Majesty' combines elements of raw black metal (screaming, riffs and aesthetics) with sonic qualities of electronic music. All songs, rather than featuring guitar and 'traditional' black metal instruments, featuring programmed beats, synths and a combination of clean and metal vocals. 

Sova Locus completed rough additional mixing on the EP, in the members of Akanda's kitchen, mirroring the aesthetic lo-fi qualities of the album. Listen-backs were completed on a cheap Bluetooth speaker. 

Akanda features members of Primal Regression Therapy, Arcanum AZF and many other projects. 

All songs written and produced 

by

Akanda

Additional Mixing by Sova Locus

Thanks for listening, 

Primal Regression Therapy 'ASTRAL AGNOISA' (CD/Digital) Mixed and Mastered by Sova Locus

'Astral Agnosia'

by

Primal Regression Therapy 

Released by Frustration Jazz (CD/Digital)

https://www.discogs.com/release/20820283-Primal-Regression-Therapy-Astral-Agnosia

Australian drone/soundscape band Primal Regression Therapy recently released their second album (after numerous EP's and 'mini-albums'), titled 'Astral Agnosia' on Australian based free improv/experimental label Frustration Jazz (CD/Digital). SL had the pleasure of doing extensive mixing after preliminary mixes and tracking were done. Following from this, SL also mastered the entire album. 

Sonically, 'Astral Agnosia' follows the progression that PRT have made, from HNW-style power electronics, to dark drones, to something more akin to soundscape or meditative drone music. Each of the four pieces utilizes a variety of instruments, including woodwinds, electronics, musical saw, guitar, synth and voice. 

All tracks written, performed and produced 

by 

Primal Regression Therapy 

Mixed and Mastered   

by

Sova Locus 

Thanks for listening, 

'Etching I' zine by Sova Locus

'Etching I'

by

Sova Locus 

'Etching I' is the latest zine created by Sova Locus. The zine is made of digital collages (generally layered abstract shapes and colors) which are then printed and photocopied over multiple times, creating further collage layering.

The zine was created for and sold at a few local zine fairs, and was also traded with other artists. 

Interests in zines or trades may be inquired to via:

shallowernoise@gmail.com  

'Etching I' created by Sova Locus. 

Initial Edition of 20. 

Printed by Soft Intricacies 

Thanks for listening.   

SHALLOWER TRACK 'Dockyards' Features on 'Harsh Noise Corpus' (CD/Tape/Digital) International Noise Compilation

https://thehillsaredead.bandcamp.com/album/harsh-noise-corpus 

'Dockyards' 

by

Shallower

Whilst trying to compose more Shallower tracks (and essentially shelving everything I made), I took the opportunity to compose and mix a standalone track for inclusion on the international noise compilation 'Harsh Noise Corpus', put out on CD/cassette and digital by The Hills Are Dead Records. 

'Dockyards' harkens back to the same compositional style evident on earlier Shallower tracks; more chaotic and erratic feedback, underpinned by streams of power electronics inspired noise. Along with the obvious electronic noises on the track, I spent quite a while densely sampling a CD I bought at an op shop which features nothing but recorded animal noises. Mixing these noises in alongside other sounds helped to forge somewhat of a structure. I believe the texturing of electronic elements mixed with the sampled (and sonically manipulated) animal sounds creates an interesting crossover.  

The Hills are Dead Records released this collection of tracks digitally and on tape and CD, which are available for purchase through the link above and the labels Bandcamp page/site.   

 

Written, composed and produced 

by

Shallower 

Printed, compiled, mastered and released 

by

The Hills are Dead Records 

 

Thanks for listening. 

'Slating/Drifted' Zine by Sova Locus

'Slating/Drifted' 

by

Sova Locus 

‘Slating/Drifted’ is a small-press, custom zine created by Sova Locus. Utilizing previously explored free-form drawing techniques, the zine’s present five black abstract pieces inspired by improvisation and simple, hand-based gestures. Each zine is custom, presenting a completely different layout and set of drawings from edition to edition.

Only 5 copies were created; they were all traded or given away for free to friends or fellow artists.

Interests in zines or trades may be inquired to via:

shallowernoise@gmail.com

'Slating/Drifted' created by Sova Locus

Edition of 5

Printed by Soft Intricacies 

Thanks for listening.

 

'ADES DRACONIS: REMIXES' BY ARCANUM AZF

 

''Ades Draconis: Remixes’
by
Arcanum AZF

https://arcanumazf.bandcamp.com/album/ades-draconis-remixes

The compositional period of the first three Arcanum AZF albums, specifically the third (‘Knights of the Sun’) was completed with a large portion of tracks, ideas and sounds leftover. The latest AZF album is a remix of some of the tracks featured throughout our first three albums melded with un-used and additional leftovers. Altogether, the album sonically reflects soundscapes and texturing as opposed to the more ‘musical’ and rhythmic elements of ‘Knights of the Sun’.

This remix album was created and mixed by Sova Locus, based on sounds collected, written, and produced by Arcanum AZF (O.M. and Sova Locus).

The Bandcamp description reads:

‘A collection of remix tracks utilizing remixed, re-edited and soundscape-d sounds from previous Arcanum AZF albums:

Kaleidoscopic Crusades
Parousia
Knights of the Sun
 
Along with a plethora of unmixed and unreleased jams, riffs, noises, improvisations, dreams and sounds created over the course of composition and writing of the previous three albums.’

Remixes by Sova Locus
Album Art/Concept/Art Direction by O.M.

All audio created by:
O.M: Various Instruments/Compositions/Sounds
Sova Locus: Various Instruments/Compositions/Sounds
Released by Soft Intricacies Sound
All tracks composed and produced by Arcanum AZF

Thanks for listening.

Primal Regression Therapy 'Ultrasound' Mixed and Mastered by Sova Locus

'Ultrasound'
by
Primal Regression Therapy

https://primalregressiontherapy.bandcamp.com/album/ultrasound

Sova Locus mixed, edited and mastered this release from the live audio.

Australian drone/soundscape duo Primal Regression Therapy (PRT) have released an EP entitled 'Ultrasound' which features audio from a live performance from 2019. The titular track traverses sound made by dual synths and pedals, making for wide soundscape like keyboard passages of lush, droning sweeps. The rest of the EP features a couple of condensed remixes of the titular track, with alternative FX, mixing and interpretation.

All tracks written and produced
by
Primal Regression Therapy

Mixed, Mastered and Remixed
by
Sova Locus

Thanks for listening,

'SPLIT' by Drago Katzov/Shallower: Bandcamp/CD Release on US label Inner Demons

Split
by
Drago Katzov/Shallower

https://innerdemonsrecords.bandcamp.com/album/split-ind076d

Three Shallower tracks feature on this split, put out by Tampa, Florida based noise label Inner Demons.

'Split' is an EP by Philippines based drone act Drago Katzov and Australian noise project Shallower. Each artist features three songs showcasing their sound, with Katzovs opening three tracks highlighting a mix of light noise and synthesizer experiments before the three Shallower tracks harken to a more noise/harsh noise wall sound. Put out on Compact Disc and via Bandcamp by Tampa, Florida based label Inner Demons.
The three Shallower tracks featured are:

'Delphis'
'Totem Pole Joe'
'Ethanol Drinker'

Sova Locus outlines the sound of the three featured tracks:
'The Shallower tracks on this split show a further compositional interest in Harsh Noise Wall and electronic noise territory, pushing previously explored sounds from the debut Shallower EP into a denser, more collaged and layered sound. The tracks 'Delphis' and 'Ethanol Drinker' present wall to wall of thickly layered yet composed noise, with slithers of samples and keyboard playing over the top to create textured sonics. The track 'Totem Pole Joe' utilizes sounds previously explored on a variety of noise compilations; incorporating beats and instrumental samples to create an almost experimental pop sound.' '

Mastered by Inner Demons
All tracks composed and produced
by
Shallower

Thanks for listening 

'Symmetries' Zine by Sova Locus

'Symmetries' is a zine created by Sova Locus which focuses on the connection between drawing and language, especially symbols and experimental forms of writing.

Edition of 20, handmade and hand drawn, each zine itself is custom; featuring different drawings and plates on every page/panel of the zine. Each of the 20 feature different drawings centred around the same aesthetics and concepts.

Printed by Soft Intricacies Sound

Thanks for listening

'KNIGHTS OF THE SUN' by ARCANUM AZF

Knights of the Sun
by
Arcanum AZF

https://arcanumazf.bandcamp.com/album/knights-of-the-sun

'Knights of the Sun' is the third album by noise/drone duo Arcanum AZF. This time, the duo of Sova Locus and Dajjal Wolfgang focus on elements of black, sludge and drone metal, mixed in with  previous compositional tools such as electronics, keyboards and samples. Some of the sounds on 'Knights' were created using custom built objects and household items which were sound-processed and edited.

The album continues the duos interest in experimental forms of collage and soundscapes, with emphasis this time on elements like guitar riffs, drones and the melding of sounds to create atmospheric layering and textures.

Review of 'Knights of the Sun':

https://animalpsi.com/2020/02/soft-intricacies-sound/


Dajjal Wolfgang- Guitar, Keys, Samples, Objects, Pickups, Pedalboard, Cover Art and Design
Sova Locus- Sound Processing, Mixing, Objects, Electronics, Bass Guitar, Production, Soundscapes

All tracks composed and produced
by
Arcanum AZF

Released by Soft Intricacies Sound

Thanks for listening

SHALLOWER TRACK 'Oh, Neptune' Features on 200 Way Split Release

https://brokentaperecords.bandcamp.com/track/oh-neptune

'Oh, Neptune'

by 

Shallower 

Russian label Broken Tape Records have released their mammoth 200 way split, featuring artists from across the globe and tracks that traverse drone, noise, glitch and more. Shallower is featured on the split with the song 'Oh, Neptune', which utilises electronics and samples as well keys to create a thick wall of noise. 

Produced, Composed and Mixed

by 

Shallower 

Mastered and compiled by Alexey Kondart

Released by Broken Tape Records

For the release '200 Way Split: International Experimental Music' 

LOCUTION STREAMS Drawing Mini-Exhibition

'Locution Streams'

Drawing Mini-Exhibition

by 

Sova Locus

Locution Streams is a project that explores the relationship between art and viewer, between interpretation and perception and how language can be defined. The project was hung in the Ramp at TCOTA, featuring two large A2 pen drawings along with 20 A4 size drawings. 

The main concept behind this portion of the project is to consider how 5 symbols can be interpreted as geometric drawings. 15 geometric drawings were created in relation to the 5 symbol pages, and the two A2 geometric drawings acted as a kind of mascot for the Locution Streams project in general. 

Pictures below show the displayed drawings.