Pothamus Assembles a Ritual Through Sound on ‘Abur’

Belgian ensemble Pothamus once again draws attention with their sludge and post-metal driven album Abur. Eschewing clichés, they construct a sonic world marked by patience and intensity, aiming for a ritualistic depth throughout the record.


Pothamus, a three-piece based in Mechelen, redefines its boundaries with the new album Abur. Their music, rooted in sludge and post-metal, is not just about thick riffs or hypnotic basslines; ceremonial percussion, extended drone passages, and careful structural layering expand their sound.

Across its six tracks, the album channels both heft and meditative resonance. The ambiguous and otherworldly titles (ZhikartaSavartuum AvurAbur) evoke a sense of being elsewhere, while the repetition and density of the music create a collective, immersive experience. Eastern philosophies and western esotericism resonate in the band’s sound tapestry.

Rather than focusing solely on heaviness or noise, Pothamus pulls the listener into a patient, gradual transformation. This approach distinguishes them among their peers and makes Abur a lasting entry at the intersection of metal and experimental music. ✪