Pothamus

By the time you’re reading this Pothamus will have unleashed the first single from their upcoming album, Abur – a track that is a real statement of intent from this Belgian trio. By the time Roadburn arrives, you’ll have had the opportunity to spend some time with the album as a whole, and then at the festival we’ll all be spoiled by a front to back run through of what is sure to be a defining entry in the band’s back catalogue. 

That first single, Savartuum Avur, is an epic eight minute voyage of hypnotic percussion-driven rhythm, cavernous vocals and enchanting melody that is the centrepiece of Abur. Jumping in at the deep end with Pothamus is not a bad way to get acquainted with what they have in store for the rest of the album, which unfolds with measured post-metal atmospheric elegance and suitably sludgy heftiness.

Of their upcoming performance at Roadburn the band tell us:

“Performing at Roadburn has been an aspiration for Pothamus from the very beginning, and we’re deeply honoured to see that vision realised in 2025. Sharing Abur in full with an audience we’ve long been part of feels like a homecoming. Roadburn has been a guiding force for us—a place of connection, inclusivity and community-building, and a stage for contemporary boundary-pushing artists.

“After almost a decade of being loyal annual visitors, the transition to the stage marks a milestone for us. This way we hope to give back to Roadburn something it has offered us throughout the years. We look forward to honouring this legacy and sharing this moment with you all.”

Existing fans of Pothamus will no doubt already be joining us in anticipation of this special album’s arrival and its live premiere at Roadburn. Those not yet on board with this esoteric offering are sure to see the light long before the sun rises on the final day of Roadburn 2025.

– Becky Laverty