The long summernights just got a bit darker...

We're halfway through summer here in the northern hemisphere, the city bathes in the golden colours of yet another tranquil evening. Yet somehow we all know the shift has taken place, the days are again doomed to grow shorter and shorter as we once again begin the slow rush toward the dark season. Illustrating this point finely are the brand new albums we have available tonight. Music on the edge between light and darkness, between fantasy and reality, between madness and sanity. The journey continues.

[gterma036] : Urenga - Mu (The Lost Continent) (out now)

The world's oceans still jealously guard their many secrets from the prying eyes of our fledgling 21st century civilization. Brave minds remain convinced that unseen lands dwell in the cold depths of the deep waters. A few claim to have visited these places in their dreams. We were amazed to discover a portion of a dusty traveller's journal, telling of one travellers tireless pursuit in heeding the ocean's calling. We invite you to follow in the wake of this dreamlike journey.

[gterma040] : V/A - Phra Rahu (out now)

A long time coming, we have worked zealously to present this offering to the dark entity known as Rahu. A vast demigod with a strong worldly influence, Rahu's might is perhaps best illustrated in his devouring of the sun, causing the Earth to sit in his dark shadow. We have assembled this dark mantra from material both new and old, creating a deep tribute featuring several of the profile artists of gterma. Massive double album in a jewel case with 16-page booklet.

[gterma041] : Gleisberg & Grassow - Ad Lucem (out now)

Veterans Rüdiger Gleisberg and Mathias Grassow, who have previously worked together in constellations such as KarmaCosmic and Nostalgia (together with Carsten Agthe), have come together again to create Ad Lucem, an album dedicated to the light and the hope for a better tomorrow. Six deep pieces carefully balancing on a slight penumbra between light and darkness. Comes in a jewel case with 16-page booklet.

Alright, after an initial delay we are now shipping out the latest batch of releases. We have more in the pipeline scheduled for late May, so keep eyes and ears open.

[gterma019] : Parikrama - Manusyaloka (out now)

The drone tapestries of Parikrama can once again be heard as they have finally materialized here in the Manusyaloka, or our human realm again. After having seemingly phased out of our world the travellers have visited the vast continents circling Mount Meru and on their way back nearly got lost in the thick vegetation of the age old Himmaphan forest, having there encountered bizarre creatures that defy description. Seasoned gterma veterans will know what to expect. Comes in a jewelcase with 16-page booklet.

[gterma022] : Enh - Body Of Blue (out now)

Body of Blue is a very personal form of expression signed Ian Handsley, who moved his operations into an old hotel on the Pacific coast of Japan. From there he has been able to experience the different characters of various types of weather systems forming literally upon his very doorstep. Ian's ethereal soundscapes reach into the otherworld and allow a tired mind to drift into a deep sonic ocean. Album comes in a jewelcase with a 16-page booklet.

[gterma029] : Hakobune - If It Were To Fade (out now)

The output of Japanese drone mainstay Hakobune could best be described as both heartwarming and sombre at the same time. "If It Were To Fade" follows this tradition and captures the sensation of being lost deep inside the endless distance of a great between. Album in jewelcase with 16-page booklet.

Report: Parikrama back in the studio

We've received word that Parikrama have once again departed for the realm of the shrouded mountains of the mighty Himalayas, in search of hidden secrets. We wish the crew a fruitful expedition and a safe return. This is also the perfect opportunity to recommend newcomers to investigate their outstanding debut EP which appeared on netlabel DNA Productions a few years ago. Large and captivating drones from a freezing realm of the purest light.

Released from the clutches of the ancient dragon...

Xin nian kuai le, the Chinese New Year celebrations are over and we are happy to report that the old creature has finally let go of his prize and decided to share his insights with us. And what better way to open up the Year of the Dragon? We have received several new items which are now available for order. We extend our gratitude for the artists who have gone to great lengths to decipher these hidden terma. Follow the links below for more information and samples.

[gterma004] : Solar Ocean - Enter Serenity

Adrift on an endless ocean, suspended into mellow water gently rocking you to sleep. Each wave carries you further from land and into a twilight existence, the sun warming your face and the water sending a million glittering reflections into your gaze. The result is a mini-album of serene ambient soundscapes with a harrowing undertone. Comes in a jewelcase with a 12-page booklet.

[gterma007] : Indo - Winter In Zangla

Indo returns with a harrowing and cold narrative of Hungarian explorer and Orientalist Csoma de Körös' long journey to Zanskar valley where he studied the mysteries of the Tibetan language and Buddhist wisdom in the 1820s. Journey with us through the narrow mountain passes into the secluded villages at the foot of the Himalayas under the watchful eye of King Virudhaka. Comes in a jewelcase with a 12-page booklet.

[gterma009] : Parikrama - The Silent Bōn

Long before Buddhism spread into the Himalayas the region was at the mercy of frightening spirits and powerful divinities.Seetyca and Artin Mucht join the bonpo shamans in search for traces of the old faith, now consumed by the benevolent teachings of Lord Buddha. These are stark aural landscapes with a mystic touch, yet clear as crystalline ice. Allow yourself to be lost in the world of Parikrama. The album comes in a jewelcase with a 12-page booklet.

[gterma010] : Mathias Grassow - Alchemystery

Freestyle recordings are the order of the day as Mathias treads an improvised path into the colourful and enigmatic realms of the ever present mystery that is music. Traditionalists and purists beware, these sound sculptings will challenge any drone-ambient prejudice. Double album comes in a jewelcase with a 16-page booklet. Read more about the Alchemy Sessions on the Path of the Shaman page.

The old gods are still around and doing well

Long before the rugged Himalayan region was conquered by the benevolence of Buddhism and the blessings of Lord Buddha and his many loyal guardians the lands were at the mercy of powerful deities and terrifying spirits. People's houses were converted to small fortresses to ward off evil creatures and the populations were at the mercy of divine madmen, possessed bonpo shamans. When the famous Guru Rinpoche was brought in from India by King Trisong Detsen the bonpos may finally and officially have converted, but their masters and deities persisted and the old guard never went away. Much as other local powerful beings or spirits, they remain in service of their people once more, though now under the watchful eye of Lord Buddha. And although there might now be gentle smiling monks performing the services instead of wild eyed bonpo shamans, the practice never really subsided, it just transformed and merged into a school of Buddhist discipline among karmapas and nyingmapas and so on.

Today some people living in this region realize the origins of their belief system and trace it back to the bön. Another pair of explorers recently reemerged from a journey into the distant corners of this wilderness. Small villages and dilapidated and crumbling dzongs were the starting points for excursions into the vastness of the old guard. Even in the shadow of Mount Kailash the presence of Buddha Tönpa Shenrab can be felt. Join Seetyca and Artin Mucht as they don their Parikrama moniker once more to open a treasure box of mysterious old gterma. As you gaze into this old world, remember to equip a spirit catcher and carry your phurba close to you at all times.

[gterma009] : Parikrama - Top of the Morning by the lost gterma