{"title":"Hippotraktor","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"hippotraktor-meridian-12","title":"Hippotraktor \"Meridian\" 12\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe power of music to conjure up images in the mind is as fascinating as it is undeniable —arguably, it is the very aspect of music that keeps us intrigued. From the undulating ca- dences of Debussy’s “La Mer - 2. Jeux de Vagues” through the overwhelming wall-of- sound production on Ike \u0026amp; Tina Turner’s “River Deep - Mountain High”, to the galloping bass line of Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper”. These imaginative qualities allow us to talk about music beyond mere terms of theory such as tone and form. Music, above all, makes us feel and experience things that are normally outside the scope of our ordinary lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith their debut album Meridian, Belgian progressive- \/ post-metal outfit \u003cstrong\u003eHIPPOTRAKTOR\u003c\/strong\u003e explore these characteristics to the fullest, creating an expression of the Sublime – a greatness beyond all possibility of calculation, measurement, or imitation – that reaches beyond the mere conjuring of images into the realm of high art and philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEver since the release of their acclaimed debut EP P’eau (2018) these Mechelen-based musicians have been honing their craft in songwriting and production, building a new home studio to record future material while also expanding from a three-piece to a five-piece ensemble. By adding singer\/percussionist Stefan De Graef (Psychonaut) and guitarist\/singer Sander Rom (L’Itch) to their ranks, HIPPOTRAKTOR have become a more versatile outfit able to employ a broader palette of sounds, taking the band’s earlier instrumental prog metal sound to new heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking notes from the best moments in contemporary progressive and post metal, HIPPOTRAKTOR capture the awe-inspiring power of nature—from the delicacy of the first falling leaf to the massive cosmic energy of the sun. By combining the big, catchy riffs and the rhythmical prowess of Gojira with the relentless but equally groove-loaded complexity of Meshuggah, Meridian delivers an overwhelming experience of sound, presenting the listener with sentiments that are recognisable, but with an intensity that seems larger-than-life. “Meridian finds its origin in everyday moods, taken out of context and morphed into a stylised version that re- flects the dreamer in me,” explains main songwriter and guitarist Chiaran Verheyden. “It tells the story of someone who’s lost in a world too massive to comprehend, and seeks answers in places where none can be found. Meridian was written as an attempt to distillate what I felt but couldn’t put into words.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the main vocalist in the group, finding these words was the job of Stefan De Graef, who carried over his fascination for philosophy and religion from his other band Psychonaut. “Meridian tells the story of a solitary wanderer on the Earth in the absence of other beings,” explains Stefan. “Without anyone to share knowledge and history with, the protagonist is forced to create his own truths and stories about the nature of life, consciousness and the universe. The protagonist begins to personify and deify his surroundings, assigning sentience to the trees, the mountains, the wind, the waters etc. for they are his only companions in this desolate world.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEssentially, Meridian is an exploration of the evolutionary theory of naturism, which was put forth by German scholar Max Müller in the 19th century, and which argues that religion finds its origin in the deification of the forces of nature by early human beings. By juxtaposing this sociological theory with seven tracks that unfailingly conjure images of the earth, sea and sky, HIPPOTRAKTOR have created an analogy that enlarges the imaginative quality of their music to (literally) epic proportions. Combining the best of prog, groove and post-metal, Meridian comprises an incredible ride for fans of soaring hooks, technical riffing and earth-shattering breakdowns.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hippotraktor","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":43863407493398,"sku":"471945","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Juncture Edition","offer_id":43863407526166,"sku":"471946","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Single Colour Edition","offer_id":43863407558934,"sku":"471947","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"White","offer_id":43863407591702,"sku":"511954","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Amesha Edition","offer_id":43863407624470,"sku":"511955","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0690\/8939\/4966\/products\/91e86b0cb8eb421f942ef4fee43af0f9.jpg?v=1670561972"},{"product_id":"hippotraktor-meridian-cd","title":"Hippotraktor \"Meridian\" CD","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eDue to this item being an import, the ship date has been set to allow for potential delays. We expect the item to ship sooner and we will adjust the ship date once we have final confirmation.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe power of music to conjure up images in the mind is as fascinating as it is undeniable —arguably, it is the very aspect of music that keeps us intrigued. From the undulating ca- dences of Debussy’s “La Mer - 2. Jeux de Vagues” through the overwhelming wall-of- sound production on Ike \u0026amp; Tina Turner’s “River Deep - Mountain High”, to the galloping bass line of Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper”. These imaginative qualities allow us to talk about music beyond mere terms of theory such as tone and form. Music, above all, makes us feel and experience things that are normally outside the scope of our ordinary lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith their debut album Meridian, Belgian progressive- \/ post-metal outfit \u003cstrong\u003eHIPPOTRAKTOR\u003c\/strong\u003e explore these characteristics to the fullest, creating an expression of the Sublime – a greatness beyond all possibility of calculation, measurement, or imitation – that reaches beyond the mere conjuring of images into the realm of high art and philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEver since the release of their acclaimed debut EP P’eau (2018) these Mechelen-based musicians have been honing their craft in songwriting and production, building a new home studio to record future material while also expanding from a three-piece to a five-piece ensemble. By adding singer\/percussionist Stefan De Graef (Psychonaut) and guitarist\/singer Sander Rom (L’Itch) to their ranks, HIPPOTRAKTOR have become a more versatile outfit able to employ a broader palette of sounds, taking the band’s earlier instrumental prog metal sound to new heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking notes from the best moments in contemporary progressive and post metal, HIPPOTRAKTOR capture the awe-inspiring power of nature—from the delicacy of the first falling leaf to the massive cosmic energy of the sun. By combining the big, catchy riffs and the rhythmical prowess of Gojira with the relentless but equally groove-loaded complexity of Meshuggah, Meridian delivers an overwhelming experience of sound, presenting the listener with sentiments that are recognisable, but with an intensity that seems larger-than-life. “Meridian finds its origin in everyday moods, taken out of context and morphed into a stylised version that re- flects the dreamer in me,” explains main songwriter and guitarist Chiaran Verheyden. “It tells the story of someone who’s lost in a world too massive to comprehend, and seeks answers in places where none can be found. Meridian was written as an attempt to distillate what I felt but couldn’t put into words.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the main vocalist in the group, finding these words was the job of Stefan De Graef, who carried over his fascination for philosophy and religion from his other band Psychonaut. “Meridian tells the story of a solitary wanderer on the Earth in the absence of other beings,” explains Stefan. “Without anyone to share knowledge and history with, the protagonist is forced to create his own truths and stories about the nature of life, consciousness and the universe. The protagonist begins to personify and deify his surroundings, assigning sentience to the trees, the mountains, the wind, the waters etc. for they are his only companions in this desolate world.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEssentially, Meridian is an exploration of the evolutionary theory of naturism, which was put forth by German scholar Max Müller in the 19th century, and which argues that religion finds its origin in the deification of the forces of nature by early human beings. By juxtaposing this sociological theory with seven tracks that unfailingly conjure images of the earth, sea and sky, HIPPOTRAKTOR have created an analogy that enlarges the imaginative quality of their music to (literally) epic proportions. Combining the best of prog, groove and post-metal, Meridian comprises an incredible ride for fans of soaring hooks, technical riffing and earth-shattering breakdowns.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hippotraktor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43863407690006,"sku":"471948","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0690\/8939\/4966\/products\/86b3c4acf1172588ba8aeddca52dd69c.jpg?v=1670561977"},{"product_id":"hippotraktor-stasis-12","title":"Hippotraktor \"Stasis\" 12\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBelgian progressive post-hardcore quintet Hippotraktor have announced their second full-length album, ‘Stasis’, set for release on June 7th via Berlin’s Pelagic Records.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally a three-piece instrumental outfit consisting of Mechelen-based producer, songwriter and guitarist Chiaran Verheyden, bassist Jakob Fiszer and Lander De Nyn on drums, Hippotraktor finally found its stride with the permanent introduction of guitarist\/vocalist Sander Rom (L’Itch) and percussionist\/vocalist Stefan De Graef (Psychonaut) in 2021. The combination of Chiaran’s impressionistic songwriting ambitions and Stefan’s powerful, narrative-charged lyrics proved to be a golden combination on the band’s debut album, ‘Meridian’, which masterfully transformed the band’s disparate instrumental compositions into a singular, driving work of sonic fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e‘Stasis’ consists of seven compositions that were written with the full creative force of the five-piece in mind. The result of this is a lavish, dynamically complex sound and a multilayered structure that is much greater than the sum of its parts. Operating at the intersection of Meshuggah’s relentless, polyrhythmic pounding and Gojira’s colossal atmospheric weight, Hippotraktor have expanded upon their already distinctive sound by introducing De Graef’s vocals that bring with them an intriguing new dedication to musical storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eLead single ‘Silver Tongue’ is a melodically rich composition that marries soaring close harmonies and shimmering guitar work with grinding, post-metal dirge and guttural howls as the nameless protagonist of the album is shown the naive duplicity of the life he lived and how easily he was led astray by the Silver Tongues, those who propagate a selfish, amoral vision of the world. The captivating, one-take performance video that accompanies the single serves as a visceral reminder of the band’s formidable physicality that, coupled with their newfound compositional prowess, renders Hippotraktor and ‘Stasis’ as a force to be reckoned with.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e“Stasis tells a story of human nature,” explains lead vocalist Stefan De Graef about the album’s narrative. “As the protagonist enters a new world in which he is confronted with other humans for the first time, he acquaints himself with their customs and ethics, discovering generosity and empathy, but also greed, jealousy and hatred.” Rather than chronologically, the story unfolds in retrospection as our protagonist looks back upon his life among his kin, his struggle with good and evil, and his fight against the stasis of living a life purely based on self-interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTaken from the Greek for ‘stoppage’, ‘Stasis’ sees Hippotraktor doing anything but stagnating. These five, firm friends chart intricate melodies and sprawling riffs as a map showing how humanity has come of age in a chaotic world of its own making. Deftly unveiling tender truths whilst tenderly shrouding the violent majesty at its core, ‘Stasis’ is a fitting soundtrack to life in a world that’s hurtling towards a stand still.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hippotraktor","offers":[{"title":"The Reckoning Edition","offer_id":51709278191894,"sku":"592492","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Glass Clear Edition","offer_id":51709278224662,"sku":"592493","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0690\/8939\/4966\/files\/f8f6706503cf165800e9bc81eb7690b1.jpg?v=1786645226"},{"product_id":"hippotraktor-stasis-cd","title":"Hippotraktor \"Stasis\" CD","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBelgian progressive post-hardcore quintet Hippotraktor have announced their second full-length album, ‘Stasis’, set for release on June 7th via Berlin’s Pelagic Records.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally a three-piece instrumental outfit consisting of Mechelen-based producer, songwriter and guitarist Chiaran Verheyden, bassist Jakob Fiszer and Lander De Nyn on drums, Hippotraktor finally found its stride with the permanent introduction of guitarist\/vocalist Sander Rom (L’Itch) and percussionist\/vocalist Stefan De Graef (Psychonaut) in 2021. The combination of Chiaran’s impressionistic songwriting ambitions and Stefan’s powerful, narrative-charged lyrics proved to be a golden combination on the band’s debut album, ‘Meridian’, which masterfully transformed the band’s disparate instrumental compositions into a singular, driving work of sonic fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e‘Stasis’ consists of seven compositions that were written with the full creative force of the five-piece in mind. The result of this is a lavish, dynamically complex sound and a multilayered structure that is much greater than the sum of its parts. Operating at the intersection of Meshuggah’s relentless, polyrhythmic pounding and Gojira’s colossal atmospheric weight, Hippotraktor have expanded upon their already distinctive sound by introducing De Graef’s vocals that bring with them an intriguing new dedication to musical storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eLead single ‘Silver Tongue’ is a melodically rich composition that marries soaring close harmonies and shimmering guitar work with grinding, post-metal dirge and guttural howls as the nameless protagonist of the album is shown the naive duplicity of the life he lived and how easily he was led astray by the Silver Tongues, those who propagate a selfish, amoral vision of the world. The captivating, one-take performance video that accompanies the single serves as a visceral reminder of the band’s formidable physicality that, coupled with their newfound compositional prowess, renders Hippotraktor and ‘Stasis’ as a force to be reckoned with.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e“Stasis tells a story of human nature,” explains lead vocalist Stefan De Graef about the album’s narrative. “As the protagonist enters a new world in which he is confronted with other humans for the first time, he acquaints himself with their customs and ethics, discovering generosity and empathy, but also greed, jealousy and hatred.” Rather than chronologically, the story unfolds in retrospection as our protagonist looks back upon his life among his kin, his struggle with good and evil, and his fight against the stasis of living a life purely based on self-interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTaken from the Greek for ‘stoppage’, ‘Stasis’ sees Hippotraktor doing anything but stagnating. These five, firm friends chart intricate melodies and sprawling riffs as a map showing how humanity has come of age in a chaotic world of its own making. Deftly unveiling tender truths whilst tenderly shrouding the violent majesty at its core, ‘Stasis’ is a fitting soundtrack to life in a world that’s hurtling towards a stand still.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hippotraktor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51709283795222,"sku":"592494","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0690\/8939\/4966\/files\/be34d59e3b5cfe2a539f64fac050be84.jpg?v=1786645282"},{"product_id":"hippotraktor-stasis-t-shirt","title":"Hippotraktor \"Stasis\" T-Shirt","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHippotraktor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Stasis\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eone-sided black t-shirt\u003cbr\u003e-officially licensed Hippotraktor merchandise\u003cbr\u003e-printed on standard unisex garment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hippotraktor","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ S","offer_id":51709284548886,"sku":"592495","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Black \/ M","offer_id":51709284581654,"sku":"592496","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Black \/ L","offer_id":51709284614422,"sku":"592497","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Black \/ XL","offer_id":51709284647190,"sku":"592498","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Black \/ 2XL","offer_id":51709284679958,"sku":"592499","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0690\/8939\/4966\/files\/023c6dff1584075b683290d2402c42d3.jpg?v=1786645334"},{"product_id":"hippotraktor-annihilator-oblivion-walker-edition-12","title":"Hippotraktor \"Annihilator\" Oblivion Walker Edition 12\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSince emerging from Mechelen, Belgium, Hippotraktor has steadily carved out a singular artistic identity guided by an enduring commitment to exploration. Their music unfolds through carefully sculpted contrasts, where immense rhythmic force exists alongside delicate melodic detail. Moments of overwhelming intensity dissolve into passages of quiet reflection, suspended stillness erupts into visceral power and sonic chaos; their sound is a meticulously crafted interplay between movement and heaviness. Every composition feels organic, themes emerge gradually and transform unexpectedly, as deconstruction, precision and instinct are in constant negotiation. Their sound is defined by intention; every eruption, moment of restraint and subtle shift is embedded in an atmosphere of purpose\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo the joy of ear-splitters and deep-feelers of post rock, Hippotraktor release their third studio album Annihilist. \u003cem\u003e\"A good blend between the vibes of Meridian and the technicality of Stasis.\"\u003c\/em\u003e (Verheyden), that exhibits once again the band's ability to balance crushing physicality with emotional nuance, whilst pushing further into highly cultivated experimentation. For Hippotraktor, immense sonic weight coexists with remarkable clarity and depth, and through the many shifting passages and moments Annihilist becomes a journey of awe, dissolution, melancholia and rampaging power.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“As always, Annihilist features the same nameless protagonist that appeared on Meridian and Stasis. On Meridian, he experienced his first incarnation as a solitary being. Stasis gave him his first contact with other humans. Annihilist now deals with the in-between and depicts his better understanding of the cyclical nature of his existence. Being aware of the fact that he is perpetually incarnating against his will as a sort of divine experiment, he is now at war with the entity that is bringing this curse upon him. The entire album talks about his desire to end this cycle and to find peace.” \u003c\/em\u003e(De Graef)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of this album is a sense of collective inspiration. Verheyden's compositional vision provides the framework for music that is both intricate and instinctive, yet Hippotraktor's identity is forged through the dialogue between all five musicians.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Whilst writing Meridian and Stasis, I would only ever send finished instrumentals to the rest of the band. This time around I shared half (or even less) baked goods. Which worked pretty well, I liked having the others involved sooner.\" \u003c\/em\u003e(Verheyden)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDe Nyn's drumming is relentlessly expressive, shifting effortlessly between explosive power and nuanced restraint, The percussion is allowed to breathe with the songs whilst driving them forward, shaping tension and guiding each composition through cycles of expansion and release. Fiszer's bass weaves groove and melodic countercurrents, adding warmth and dimension to the band's colossal low end. Acting as a bridge between rhythm and harmony, Fiszer gives even the densest passages remarkable fluidity. Together they create a vibrant and crushingly heavy foundation.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAbove this foundation, the dual guitar work constructs vast sonic architecture. Crushing riffs, shimmering textures and harmonically rich layers coexist with remarkable clarity. The interplay between Verheyden and Rom creates an ever-changing conversation where texture, melody and rhythm continually exchange roles. Their guitars are as capable of evoking quiet introspection as they are seismic impact, giving Hippotraktor's music an extraordinary sense of scale. Monumental walls of distortion dissolve into shimmering textures before rebuilding themselves into towering crescendos, creating landscapes that feel simultaneously vast and intimate.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDe Graef's vocal performance completes that landscape with equal versatility. His commanding harsh vocals and ferocious growls emerge as the embodiment of urgency and catharsis, while cleaner passages introduce moments of vulnerability and fragility amid the overwhelming sonic force; responding to the shifting dynamics and amplifying the emotional resonance already embedded within the compositions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Our process with‘Stasis was: make demo's that sounded like a finished album, re-record bass, drums and vocals, mix, master. This time around I wanted to be more loose during the demo phase, but still ended up using most of those guitars in the album. This record was a lot less finished when starting recording, I had to patch many more holes. The final chord progression of a song called 'Everything Is Permissible' was written and recorded during mixing. So in short: more chaos, more collaboration.\"\u003c\/em\u003e (Verheyden)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough often associated with progressive metal, post-metal and sludge, Hippotraktor resist classification. Their music draws freely from multiple traditions while remaining unmistakably their own, blending rhythmic complexity, cinematic atmosphere and deeply human expression into a sound that feels both expansive and immediate. From the visceral, roaring opening of 'Builder of Eden', to the deconstructed finale of 'Courageous Apathy', this album exhibits the vast arsenal at Hippotraktor's disposal.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“What was also interesting to me, is that our newest band member Kristof and I both made vocal demos of every one of Chiaran's compositions without hearing the other one's version until it was done. This led to some very surprising vocal arrangements where we combined all of our ideas into one massive whole that is much bigger than what I could have written by myself.” \u003c\/em\u003e(De Graef)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs an album Annihilist is not only gripping in every moment and turn, but their balance of the intimate and titanic feels deceptively effortless; a testament to their galvanised abilities. Technical accomplishment is never presented as spectacle; every note exists in service of atmosphere, narrative and emotional resonance. Annihilist is undeniably heavy, yet drenched in groove and bittersweet tenderness. It is progressive without becoming self-indulgent, atmospheric without sacrificing immediacy, and emotionally expansive without relying on sentimentality. Hippotraktor crafts immersive sonic environments that invite complete surrender, where intricate musicianship and instinctive expression become indistinguishable.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“We're very excited to see where the future will take us. We're looking forward to touring with Hypno5e at the end of the year and to be on the road a lot in 2027. We have a ton of ideas for our new live set and we can't wait to get started.”\u003c\/em\u003e (De Graef)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFOR FANS OF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePsychonaut • Mershuggah • Dvne • Vola • The Ocean • Hypno5e • Sikasa • Blackshape\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hippotraktor","offers":[{"title":"Oblivion Walker Edition","offer_id":51714986311958,"sku":"789993","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"White","offer_id":51714986344726,"sku":"789994","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0690\/8939\/4966\/files\/7caade0d14029f8a0c0c860b56b03d4c.png?v=1786718097"},{"product_id":"hippotraktor-annihilist-cd","title":"Hippotraktor \"Annihilist\" CD","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSince emerging from Mechelen, Belgium, Hippotraktor has steadily carved out a singular artistic identity guided by an enduring commitment to exploration. Their music unfolds through carefully sculpted contrasts, where immense rhythmic force exists alongside delicate melodic detail. Moments of overwhelming intensity dissolve into passages of quiet reflection, suspended stillness erupts into visceral power and sonic chaos; their sound is a meticulously crafted interplay between movement and heaviness. Every composition feels organic, themes emerge gradually and transform unexpectedly, as deconstruction, precision and instinct are in constant negotiation. Their sound is defined by intention; every eruption, moment of restraint and subtle shift is embedded in an atmosphere of purpose\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo the joy of ear-splitters and deep-feelers of post rock, Hippotraktor release their third studio album Annihilist. \u003cem\u003e\"A good blend between the vibes of Meridian and the technicality of Stasis.\"\u003c\/em\u003e (Verheyden), that exhibits once again the band's ability to balance crushing physicality with emotional nuance, whilst pushing further into highly cultivated experimentation. For Hippotraktor, immense sonic weight coexists with remarkable clarity and depth, and through the many shifting passages and moments Annihilist becomes a journey of awe, dissolution, melancholia and rampaging power.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“As always, Annihilist features the same nameless protagonist that appeared on Meridian and Stasis. On Meridian, he experienced his first incarnation as a solitary being. Stasis gave him his first contact with other humans. Annihilist now deals with the in-between and depicts his better understanding of the cyclical nature of his existence. Being aware of the fact that he is perpetually incarnating against his will as a sort of divine experiment, he is now at war with the entity that is bringing this curse upon him. The entire album talks about his desire to end this cycle and to find peace.” \u003c\/em\u003e(De Graef)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of this album is a sense of collective inspiration. Verheyden's compositional vision provides the framework for music that is both intricate and instinctive, yet Hippotraktor's identity is forged through the dialogue between all five musicians.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Whilst writing Meridian and Stasis, I would only ever send finished instrumentals to the rest of the band. This time around I shared half (or even less) baked goods. Which worked pretty well, I liked having the others involved sooner.\" \u003c\/em\u003e(Verheyden)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDe Nyn's drumming is relentlessly expressive, shifting effortlessly between explosive power and nuanced restraint, The percussion is allowed to breathe with the songs whilst driving them forward, shaping tension and guiding each composition through cycles of expansion and release. Fiszer's bass weaves groove and melodic countercurrents, adding warmth and dimension to the band's colossal low end. Acting as a bridge between rhythm and harmony, Fiszer gives even the densest passages remarkable fluidity. Together they create a vibrant and crushingly heavy foundation.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAbove this foundation, the dual guitar work constructs vast sonic architecture. Crushing riffs, shimmering textures and harmonically rich layers coexist with remarkable clarity. The interplay between Verheyden and Rom creates an ever-changing conversation where texture, melody and rhythm continually exchange roles. Their guitars are as capable of evoking quiet introspection as they are seismic impact, giving Hippotraktor's music an extraordinary sense of scale. Monumental walls of distortion dissolve into shimmering textures before rebuilding themselves into towering crescendos, creating landscapes that feel simultaneously vast and intimate.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDe Graef's vocal performance completes that landscape with equal versatility. His commanding harsh vocals and ferocious growls emerge as the embodiment of urgency and catharsis, while cleaner passages introduce moments of vulnerability and fragility amid the overwhelming sonic force; responding to the shifting dynamics and amplifying the emotional resonance already embedded within the compositions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Our process with‘Stasis was: make demo's that sounded like a finished album, re-record bass, drums and vocals, mix, master. This time around I wanted to be more loose during the demo phase, but still ended up using most of those guitars in the album. This record was a lot less finished when starting recording, I had to patch many more holes. The final chord progression of a song called 'Everything Is Permissible' was written and recorded during mixing. So in short: more chaos, more collaboration.\"\u003c\/em\u003e (Verheyden)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough often associated with progressive metal, post-metal and sludge, Hippotraktor resist classification. Their music draws freely from multiple traditions while remaining unmistakably their own, blending rhythmic complexity, cinematic atmosphere and deeply human expression into a sound that feels both expansive and immediate. From the visceral, roaring opening of 'Builder of Eden', to the deconstructed finale of 'Courageous Apathy', this album exhibits the vast arsenal at Hippotraktor's disposal.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“What was also interesting to me, is that our newest band member Kristof and I both made vocal demos of every one of Chiaran's compositions without hearing the other one's version until it was done. This led to some very surprising vocal arrangements where we combined all of our ideas into one massive whole that is much bigger than what I could have written by myself.” \u003c\/em\u003e(De Graef)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs an album Annihilist is not only gripping in every moment and turn, but their balance of the intimate and titanic feels deceptively effortless; a testament to their galvanised abilities. Technical accomplishment is never presented as spectacle; every note exists in service of atmosphere, narrative and emotional resonance. Annihilist is undeniably heavy, yet drenched in groove and bittersweet tenderness. It is progressive without becoming self-indulgent, atmospheric without sacrificing immediacy, and emotionally expansive without relying on sentimentality. Hippotraktor crafts immersive sonic environments that invite complete surrender, where intricate musicianship and instinctive expression become indistinguishable.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“We're very excited to see where the future will take us. We're looking forward to touring with Hypno5e at the end of the year and to be on the road a lot in 2027. 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