An in-depth look at albums, EPs, and more from across the world.
Excavating Ex-Soviet Records – Digging Central Asia: Musical Archaeology along the Silk Road
In a collaboration spanning continents, UK label Death Is Not The End and Uzbek label Maqom Soul Records have compiled a compilation of songs from the former Soviet theater in Central Asia.
Equal Parts Harrowing and Enchanting: How a Fantastic Folk Album Becomes One of a Kind
Born in a village outside of Cardiff, Welsh guitarist Gwenifer Raymond releases one of the most thrilling and harrowing instrumental folk records I’ve ever heard.
The Man vs. The Machine – Charly García’s Clics Modernos
In 1983, Charly García turned New Wave into the Latin-American sound of resistance.
Their Magnum Opus – Consecration’s Video Sam Kako Umireš
Consecration’s newest release is an incredible example of their mastery of musicianship. Dive into the album and explore its sonic journey.
The Modern Black Metal Classic That Stands Out From the Crowd
Litourgiya has been a cult classic for the black metal genre ever since it released back in 2015. In that time, so much has been said about the record’s fantastic quality, and yet so little about it’s potential to introduce people to the harsh genre. We’ll be taking a look at that potential and much…
ARDENTLY EXCLUSIVE: The Official Reissue of the Oleg Gotskosik Quintet’s Oriental Suite
On February 14th, Maqom Soul Records will be releasing their reissue of Oriental Suite by the Oleg Gotskozik Quintet – a group largely unknown to the global music consciousness and unfortunately forgotten by those in the former Soviet nations. ARDENTLY was given exclusive early access to this incredible album by the label, Maqom Soul Records.
Italy’s Hidden Prog Rock Gem – Garybaldi’s Nuda
Outside of the United State and United Kingdom, many other people across the globe were experimenting with progressive and psychedelic rock in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Most of them only really gained popularity in their home country, this album being a prime example of just that.
A Good Old Fashioned Psychedelic Trip – The Chemistry Set’s Upcoming Release
Check out the upcoming double-single release from The Chemistry Set!
A Big Sound and Big Ideas from a Heck of a Debut
A Fresh-faced indie band come out the gates with an impressive first album. It might not be perfect but it’s displays enough brilliant ideas and fantastic execution that it’s hard not to be excited for.
The Great Dichotomy of 2025: Two Contrasting Albums, One Versatile Artist
Québécois artist, Lou-Adriane Cassidy, does something exceedingly rare for contemporary music by releasing two albums in the span of one year! Did the prolific output this year pay off? Only one way to find out…
Becoming Distinct: How a Hungarian Folk Band and Their Music Differentiates From Their Neighbors
Nestled within Central Europe among various other peoples, Hungary standouts as a somewhat distinct and unique cultural identity. It might be hard to understand the reason at first, but a thorough look at their traditional cultural expressions may uncover valuable insight as to why that’s the case.
Smuggled Across the Red Sea – Khadiija Jiijo Jeesto’s 808 Xamar: Exiled Digital Somali Sounds from 1990s Saudi Arabia
In my journey to experience the world through music, I’ve listened to a plethora of music from Africa. In my listening, I’ve enjoyed many a traditional folk genre and a modern pop album, but never had I really seen the very beginnings of the fusion of these two in such an interesting way as I…
Exploring Uzbekistan Through Ethnoise: qorakitobchi’s Out/In
For many people, Uzbekistan is a place explored through the pages of history books and photographs. To many Americans, we know Uzbekistan as a formerly Soviet nation that’s surrounded by vast deserts and mountains. Uzbekistan’s beauty and rich history are presented to us in print media, but a large aspect of Uzbekistan is left undiscovered…
A New Age for Extreme Music: Dreamy and Harsh in a New Genre-Bending Release
Atmospheric metal and post-metal has mostly hit a recession as the biggest bands of the last few decades have either ran out of ideas or hung up their hat. Many new bands in the style seemed resigned to only emulate the sound of yore. South Korea’s Baan might be able to help manifest a new…
Preserving an Ancient Local Tradition: Sounds of the Modern Day Griots
In the capital city of Bamako, Mali, there still exists a precedent to keep the act of musical storytelling alive and well, even after thousands of years of continuous participation. The sound of it may have changed, but their methodology doesn’t.
When Two Worlds Collide, They Create The Most Interesting Folk Record Of The Year
Two acts from the same city operating in two different genres, come together to make a one-of-a-kind piece of art for better and for worse…
Transmissions Lost in Khmer Rouge: Haunting Cambodian Tunes for the Soul
Fifty years removed from the Cambodian Civil War, echoes of the nation’s most popular musician at the time can still be heard in the modern day. Even after the artist’s disappearance, their music will never leave the heart’s of many.
An Ode From The Andes: Dismantling the Misconceptions of Music From Latin America
Born from a small town of Capinota in the Andes mountains 7,894 feet above sea level, Los Kjarkas successfully translates the musical traditions they grew up with into a captivating piece that in one way or another makes its way around the globe.
Where Beauty and Extremity Roost Together: How One Album Changed My Perception
Conceived from the mist and rugged coastline of the country’s Northeastern shore, Fall of Rauros successfully blends the frozen hellscape sound of black metal with some breathtaking acoustic folk compositions for a stunning atmosphere rarely heard in music.
ARDENTLY 